Gibo Teodoro And The Mathematics Of Philippine Politics
Conventional wisdom says politics is addition.
The underlying belief: politico worth his salt, no matter how impressive his academic and political credentials, gives premium value to building alliances with other pols and civil society .
This so long as the linkages translate into those most sought after votes – votes that bring victory at the polls and clothe the victorious candidate with the popular mandate to govern.
Simple enough, right?
These precepts must surely have guided former defense secretary Gilberto Teodoro last month to go on a double-purpose trip to historic Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
Not that the place’s historicity isn’t important .
But Gibo, the anointed of outgoing President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, was in Vigan for a weightier reason.
He was there to stand a godfather at the wedding of the son of come-backing former governor Luis ‘Chavit’ Singson.
What better gesture indeed to cement his political ties with the durable Ilocano political warlord than to become his kumpadre, while PMGA also stood as his opposite wedding godmother.
But early this past week:
Former Ilocos Gov. Chavit Singson:
Yong mga barangay leaders and municipal leaders and provincial leaders [sa Ilocos Sur], iba iba ang sinusuportahan. Merong Teodoro, merong Aquino, merong Villar. So ang pinakamarami o majority, ‘yon ang susundan ko. As of today, ang majority si Villar ang gusto nilang lahat (Barangay leaders and provincial leaders in Ilocos Sur, they support different candidates. Some support Teodoro, some Aquino, some Villar. So I followed the majority. As of today, the majority support Villar).
Administration bet Gilberto Teodoro Jr.:
Manong Chavit in Ilocos Sur, if ever, is a big loss. However, I will always rely on my personal relationship with the Ilocano people.
Here’s one guy who knows how to take his licks.
Putting the Singson episode behind him, Mr. Teodoro this week successfully wooed Cebu powerful Garcia clan to declare support for his sputtering presidential bid that shows him running 4th, well behind candidates Noynoy Aquino, Manny Villar, and Erap Estrada with a month and a half before the polls.
Politics, especially Pinoy politics, is addition indeed.
