MANILA, Philippines ? (UPDATE) Gilbert Teodoro and Edu Manzano strutted on stage on Thursday like models when they accepted the administration?s endorsements to become standard-bearer and vice presidential candidate, respectively, in the May 2010 elections.
Teodoro and Manzano, in separate speeches after the Lakas-Kampi-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) endorsed their bids, vowed victory in 2010.
Teodoro expressed confidence in winning the elections.
?Abangan niyo, Gibo, Edu mananalo sa 2010 [Watch out, Gibo and Edu will win in 2010],? he told the jam-packed crowd at the Philippine International Convention Center.
Teodoro said that the ?victory for the Filipino people was the destiny of our party.?
Before Teodoro, Manzano delivered his own speech. As he climbed up the stage, someone shouted, ?Pagwapuhan na lang ang laban [let the fight be among the handsomest candidates]!?
The actor-turned-politician promised not to give up his vice presidential bid despite the flak that he has been getting when he agreed to become the administration?s bet.
?Mga kaibigan, nais ko pong linawin na sa aking pagtakbo, hindi ko po tutularan si Miguel Cotto, na tumakbo pero paatras sa laban nila ng ating pambansang kamao, si Manny Pacquiao [My friends, I would like to make it clear that when I run, I will not be like Miguel Cotto, who ran but ran backwards in his fight against the ?nation?s fist? Manny Pacquiao,? he said.
?Ako po tatakbo ngunit hindi paatras kundi paabante ? kasabay ng ating magiging susunod na pangulo, patungo sa isang mas maganda at mas maaliwalas na bukas para sa ating bansa [I will run forward not backward ? together with our new president, towards a much better and brighter future for our country],? he said.
Manzano also used the occasion to lash back at those who had been criticizing him for being in the entertainment industry.
?My friends, after the announcement that I had accepted the invitation to be the runningmate of Secretary Gibo [Teodoro?s nickname] Teodoro, may mga nagtaasan ang mga kilay at nagsabing wala po akong ?K? kasi ako daw ay isa lang actor at entertainment personality. Hinahamak at minaliiit po ang aking propesyon at ang aking pagkatao [My friends ? there were those who raised their eyebrows and said that I did not have the right because I am merely an actor and an entertainment personality. I was vilified and my profession and person belittled],? he said.
Manzano said his detractors ?virtually made a wholesale condemnation of those in the entertainment industry as being unfit and incapable of providing competent leadership to our people.?
?What they probably do not realize is that in effect, they also question the intellectual capacity of everyday Filipino to decide who their leaders should be,? he pointed out.
Manzano boasted of his experience not only in the military but also in the banking and shipping industries. He also cited his public service as vice mayor of Makati and chairman of the Optical Media Board.
?But beyond that and more than the purity of good intentions, I also offer my honest labor, my personal integrity, and dedication to duty, fortified by my experience in local governance and law enforcement,? he said.
In agreeing to become Teodoro?s running mate, Manzano also vowed to give his entire being ?to the task of attaining victory? in 2010 presidential race.
The actor ended his speech with the word ?Game na!? a popular game show of ABS-CBN, which he was a host.
Manzano returned to the stage after Teodoro?s speech to join his president for pictures. Side by side, the two walked down the stage while waving their hands to supporters chanting their names.
Earlier on Thursday, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, head of the administration party, presided over the convention as she endorsed the candidacy of Teodoro.
It was Davao Representative Anton Lagdameo, who moved for Teodoro's nomination, which was seconded by Albay Representative Edcel Lagman.
Manzano was nominated by Zamboanga Governor Aurora Cerilles.
"Edu Manzano is our vice president for 2010," declared Arroyo.
