GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines—The leadership of the Lakas-Kampi-Christian Muslim Democrats downplayed on Saturday the failure by President Macapagal-Arroyo to raise the hand of former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro during the party’s national convention in Manila on Thursday.

“There was no need for PGMA to raise the hand of Gibo during the party proclamation,” Sarangani Governor Miguel Dominguez told the Inquirer by text message.

He said the support that Teodoro got from party mates was more than enough indication of endorsement of his candidacy.

“The unanimous support shown by party leaders all over the country, including PGMA, overshadowed the traditional raising of hand,” said Dominguez, the new national president of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD party.

Earlier, Cabinet Secretary Silvestre Bello III was quoted in reports as saying the President had her own style and that the non-raising of Teodoro’s hand was a non-issue.

He was also quoted as saying the raising of hands was “old style” and that it was not a guarantee of full support.

“Some leaders will endorse somebody and after a while they will raise the hands of another candidate,” Bello was quoted as saying.

Dominguez, meanwhile, said Teodoro deserved the support of Mindanaoans because of his commitment to their well-being.

“Gibo’s decision to handpick young leaders from Mindanao is a strong indication of his commitment and belief in Mindanao,” he said, referring to his appointment as national party president.

“It’s time for Mindanao to play a key role in national politics,” he added.