Banias confident of local leaders’ support to Gibo’s candidacy
Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential bet Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro might not have a promising standing based on surveys but it will surely take a twist once the local campaign starts today, March 26.
This, according to Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas Raul Banias, who claimed of an unabated support of local chief executives all over the region.
“I have been with Gibo closely sa iya di paglibot sa Panay. I’m only talking sa iya di paglibot sa Panay kag Western Visayas. Pagkadto niya sa Capiz, we were very surprised that laban sa mga mayors ara kay Gibo,” Asec. Banias stated.
In Capiz province, the bailiwick of Liberal Party vice presidential bet Mar Roxas, Banias claimed that 13 of 19 mayors are supporting Gibo. This includes Cong. Fredenil Castro and erstwhile Mar supporter Roxas City Mayor Vicente Bermejo.
Further, “in Aklan, when Gibo was the guest of the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association meet last Monday, we have 15 out of 17 mayors with Gibo including Congressman Florencio Miraflores and Gov. Carlito Marquez,” Banias said.
In Iloilo, he added that 18 of 43 local chief executives (LCEs) are supporting Gibo’s candidacy.
On the other hand, only two of the 18 mayors in Antique will not be on Teodoro’s side. Antique Gov. Salvacion Zaldivar-Perez was said to be Teodoro’s leader in her province.
“I’m not sure with Negros Occidental. Wala pa ma-assess but if you can see, the mayors are mostly allied with Lakas,” he added.
Earlier, Negros Occidental Gov. Isidro Zayco said that 15 mayors from the province are for Gibo.
The Guimaras province, under Congressman JC Rahman Nava and Gov. Felipe Hilan Nava, also vowed support for Teodoro’s candidacy.
Meanwhile, Banias brushed off claims that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is secretly supporting the candidacy of Nacionalista Party’s presidential bet Manny Villar.
“I was in a meeting in Malacañang last Monday. The message was very clear: the administration will support Gibo Teodoro,” he added.
That’s why, Banias claimed that there’s no truth behind those allegations.
“Of course that’s the environment during elections – the disinformation campaign,” he said.
He also banked that the support of LGUs could buoy Teodoro’s candidacy.
“It’s a big thing, especially once the campaign starts Friday (March 26), this will boost Gibo Teodoro’s chances because 70% of the local candidates all over the country is with Lakas,” he added.
Further, “Let’s see how Ilonggos will decide. But I’m very confident that Ilonggos will be very wise to elect a very good leader. And I think Gibo is very qualified to be a good president,” Banias said.
