Gilbert Teodoro: A meeting with the would-be president of the Republic?

I highly respect Carlos Celdran, one of the country's foremost promoters of historical places in Manila and one of the online people whom I feel very credible. He's a Facebook friend of mine and he's an ardent supporter of Gilbert Teodoro, the palace bet. And I highly respect his views. (By the way, his cousin, David Celdran is a very good friend too).

I was fortunate to be invited by Noemi Dado, another good friend and highly respected blogger. She formed Blogwatch (http://blogwatch.ph/), which I was very fortunate to be a guest blogger. I commend Noemi for forming this group.

Anyway, Noemi told me that there is a Blogwatch event featuring presidential bet Gilbert Teodoro. Unknown to her, I was once invited to join the Green Team of Michael Ong, a group connected with Teodoro's closest associate and supporter, Raul Lambino. I attended the first meeting and never went there again.

Gilbert Teodoro---a leader, reformer and visionary

He sat at the head of a long table, an imposing figure with an authoritative air in him. Am I meeting a president? No. I am attending a Blogwatch. ph meeting with administration candidate Gilbert Teodoro.

Teodoro is an ideal leader. He's charming. He's warm. He's a critical thinker and what I discerned, he has a deep understanding of the political system.

Gilbert Teodoro has what other presidentiables lack---he's intelligent and he's definitely a technocrat par excellence.

His prescriptions are fresh, original and utterly doable. He's a quick thinker, a lover of people, and definitely a great listener. When I looked into his eyes, I feel that Teodoro believes in what he says. He is definitely a reformer.

1. Teodoro wants to prioritize education. He wants to implement what Ateneo educator Fr. Bienvenido Nebres prescribes--one year added to the primary and secondary grades. This is in conformity with international standards.

2. Teodoro wants to fast-track modernization through increasing food security. He wants to modernize agriculture, without affecting the environment.

3. Teodoro will definitely solve the worsening urban housing problems by prioritizing giving low-cost housing to the poor.

4. Teodoro wants to bring peace to Mindanao by allowing all stakeholders all "Mindanaoans" to resolve the issues among themselves.

5. Teodoro will definitely pursue peace with all secessionist and insurgency groups. He is quite confident he has the wherewithal to do this because he's friends with all political groups.

6. Teodoro wants to continue infrastructure projects started by his supporter, Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

7. Teodoro will definitely reach out to other political parties and form a consensus with them.

8. Teodoro wants to solve the problem of poverty by boosting the economy. He will definitely implement a fair investment climate, with both local and foreign investors enjoying the support of government.

9. Teodoro wants to strengthen the stability of this country by implementing a no-nonsense peace and order policy.

One heavy weight that he bears on his shoulders is his close association with the devil enfant--Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, an association which affects his relationship with the ones he want to serve as president.

Teodoro is now at the bottom rung of the surveys--only 5 percent trust and approval ratings from both the Social Weather Stations (SWS) and Pulse Asia. The People have spoken---they don't want Arroyo anymore and being the "anointed one", the People feel that they ought to reject Teodoro's bid for the presidency.

What is admirable about him is his realistic assessment of things---he knows how the system works and definitely knows how to speed up its modernization.

Teodoro is definitely better than other presidentiables. It's just that.....he is still directly connected with Arroyo.

However, come to think of it, that's actually an advantage instead of a disadvantage because it shows the character of the candidate.

I remember one interview with Teodoro. A journalist asked him why is he not disassociating himself with Arroyo? Teodoro answered curtly: he will definitely not do that because that would not reflect well of him. He was raised as a child with traditional values, especially on "utang na loob". Why would you bite the hand that feeds you? It would not look good if he does that.

What is certain is this---Teodoro will not prevent nor influence or use the Office of the President in pressuring anybody who wants to file a case against Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Carlos Celdran heaved a sigh of relief. Carlos is a supporter of Teodoro but hates the guts of Gloria. At least, after June 2010, even if Gilbert wins, surely, those who want to prosecute Arroyo will have a free hand expressing themselves against the former president.

If God wills, Teodoro will win this elections. Like what a Prophet said, miracles do happen.