Don’t let History repeat itself on Monday

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Lakas Kampi sees 15-M gibo votes from three blocs

MANILA, May 7 — Administration-backed Lakas-Kampi coalition expects three blocs to deliver for its standard bearer ex-defense chief Gilberto 'Gibo' Teodoro votes from nearly a third of the country's estimated 50 million-strong electorate.

"Our computation shows he can potentially get about 15 million votes," said Lakas-Kampi acting chairperson and Occidental Mindoro province Lone District Rep. Ma. Amelita Villarosa.

She cited as sources of such votes pro-Teodoro blocs in Cebu province and northern Luzon.

"Our allies committed to deliver from these areas one million votes and eight million votes, respectively," she said.

Lakas-Kampi is also looking forward to getting votes from the Kingdom of Jesus Christ congregation particularly as its head Pastor Apollo Quiboloy already endorsed Teodoro's candidacy.

Teodoro's spokesperson Mike Toledo pointed out some six million people in the Philippines and abroad comprise this congregation.

Such shows extent of potential command votes Teodoro can get from this group, Toledo noted.

Presidential preference surveys of PulseAsia (PA) and Social Weather Stations (SWS) continue showing Teodoro trailing behind frontrunners Sen. Benigno "NoyNoy" Aquino III (Liberal Party), Sen. Manny Villar (Nacionalista Party) and ex-president Joseph Estrada (Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino) who's eyeing a Malacanang comeback this year.

Villarosa noted the blocs' support for Teodoro is boosting optimism of Lakas-Kampi for his victory in the 2010 presidential race, however.

"It's clear our candidate has a chance to win," Villarosa noted.

She also said people already began recognizing Teodoro's capability to lead the country so more of them are backing his presidential bid.

"We're happy about this development because he's qualified for the nation's highest post," she said.

Earlier, former Malacanang election lawyer Romulo Macalintal expressed optimism Teodoro can still register a come-from-behind electoral victory.

Macalintal's optimism stems from his belief that voters still maintain independence in choosing whom to elect despite presidential preference surveys showing Teodoro in the lower rank.

"I believe voters won't allow themselves to be dictated upon by surveys," Macalintal said.

He noted voters musn't totally rely on surveys as history shows these can prove erroneous.

Presidents Fidel Ramos of the Philippines and Harry Truman of the United States were dark horses and didn't top surveys during their time but both emerged as poll winners, he recalled.

"We can't say who'll win until the elections are over," Macalintal said. (PNA)

On Monday even though I will not be able to vote, I will still be vigilant, I will watch over the votes and make sure that no sign of cheating will be seen.