Gibo visits Duterte as ‘private citizen’

Former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro. INQUIRER.net PHOTO/MARC JAYSON CAYABYAB

DAVAO CITY—Former defense secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro on Thursday night paid Mayor Rodrigo Duterte a visit to congratulate him as the country’s president-elect.

In an ambush interview outside the presidential guest house here, Teodoro said he only dropped by to thank Duterte for considering him as defense secretary.

Teodoro declined the offer, which was eventually given to Delfin Lorenzana.

READ: Gibo officially turns down Duterte’s offer

Asked why he declined the post, Teodoro said, “That’s water under the bridge already. I’m not gonna talk about that. The important thing is a good person was chosen, new designate Lorenzana.”

Teodoro, who ran as president under the administration party of Gloria Arroyo in the 2010 elections but lost, added that he as a private citizen will help newly designated Defense Secretary Lorenzana.

READ: Gilberto Teodoro as defense chief

“I know Lorenzana. I know his capability. I will support Lorenzana in any way as a private capacity,” Teodoro said.

Teodoro declined to answer if there was another post offered to him.

“As any citizen should, it’s time for this country to go together as one,” Teodoro said. JE