Kampi-CMD standard bearer Gilbert Teodoro arrived here Friday morning just as House Speaker Prospero Nograles left for Cebu in a commercial flight. Both have the reasons to avoid each other. Thursdayi, Nograles said Teodoro's defeat has now become “inevitable,” adding that he would rather “save Lakas but not Gibo.” Teodoro was in Nograles' home city, but not to reach out and patch things up with his party mate. “What has been (said) has been said. I wish him well,” Teodoro told ABS-CBN News upon arriving at the airport. Teodoro met with mayors and representatives from Davao Oriental, Davao Del Sur and Compostela Valley. It was an apparent head count of who remains allied with him, following Nograles' withdrawal of support and the defection of Compostela Valley Governor Arturo Uy. Teodoro denied reports his camp was talking with Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino and former President Joseph Estrada for a possible alliance. Teodoro was emphatic when he said he will not back out of the presidential race. “No, no, no. We're not talking to anybody. I'd like to make this public announcement that we are continuing our fight. We're fighting to win,” Teodoro said. “And I thank all volunteers for remaining steadfast. Hanggang sa huli, walang atrasan ‘to.” Teodoro thanked his volunteers and supporters, especially the youth, for staying with him, following the party defections. “We need to double time. We call on our youth to support us. This is the time that we can show our power amidst political movements.” He took a swipe at politicians who have abandoned him, calling on his supporters to reject traditional politics. “Let's show that we are sick and tired of contemporary politics. We want to change this country for the better,” he said. – ABS
