Former Optical Media Board (OMB) chairman and TV game show host Edu Manzano is Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro's running mate. Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno made the surprise announcement at a press conference in Shangri-La Makati on Friday.
"The person who has accepted the challenge of standing beside Secretary Teodoro in the quest to become the next president of the Republic of the Philippines and the next vice-president of the Republic of the Philippines, no other than former OMB chairman Edu Manzano," Puno announced.
Manzano's decision to accept the offer to be Teodoro's running mate was a surprise since there were reports that he was supposed to join the Liberal Party's senatorial ticket in 2010.
He was supposed to take his oath as LP member last Thursday, but this was cancelled. The LP is fielding Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III for president and Senator Mar Roxas for vice-president.
Manzano said Puno, who has been his mentor since he entered politics, played a big role in convincing him to run for vice-president under the Lakas-Kampi-CMD banner.
He added that even before starting talks with Teodoro, he already knew that the outgoing defense chief "possesses all the qualities that are necessary to move this country forward."
"And I would like to hitch my wagon with that of the good secretary and be part of his team that would push the Filipinos' future," Manzano said. Puno said he suggested Manzano to Teodoro, citing the TV host's capability as a public servant.
Supports Lakas-Kampi's platform
Teodoro said that aside from being a friend and a school mate at the De La Salle University, he believes the TV game show host's influence can help him push the Lakas-Kampi-CMD's platform of government, including sustainable economic growth, and making the Philippines one of Asia's progressive countries again.
"Kailangan na may isang tao na katambalan ko na hihi***** sa taumbayan na kailangang bumangon tayo. Dapat unahan natin ang ating mga kapitbahay. Dapat manguna tayo (I need a partner who will convince people that we need to rise again. That we should surpass our [Asian] neighbors. That we should lead [again])," he said.
He added that one of the most important abilities that Manzano possesses is his intelligence.
"Pareho kaming baguhan sa national politics. Pareho ho kaming walang bitbit na kargo kundi ang utak namin (We are both new to national politics. Both of us carrying nothing else but our brains)," Teodoro added.
Edu Manzano is Gibo's VP | ABS-CBN News Online Beta
Edu Manzano is Gibo's VP
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