Gibo unites Ateneo, La Salle supporters

They may be rivals in the academic and sports arenas, but in the political ring, a common cause unites them. On Friday, supporters of administration bet Gilberto Teodoro Jr. from the Ateneo de Manila University and the De La Salle University showed their unity by publishing their manifesto of support on newspapers. "In the May 10 elections, the Blue Eagles have sheathed their talons, while the Green Archers have put away their arrows back in the quivers — all in the name of 'principled politics' and the near Quixotic presidential run of Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard bearer Gibo Teodoro," said a statement from Teodoro's camp. The manifesto was titled "Rivals coming together for the country," and had Ateneo and La Salle professors, employees, and students as signatories. They said that Teodoro "possesses the qualities of competent and experienced leadership needed to address the complex issues and problems confronting a country ready for economic take-off." "We laud his positive attitude in the current presidential campaign amidst the negativity and vindictiveness among the other candidates," they added, referring to the black propaganda and mudslinging that became prominent throughout the three-month campaign season. The signatories further said that Teodoro is "the best candidate to lead our nation forward." Teodoro is an alumnus of the DLSU, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Major in Financial Institutions degree in 1984. Five years later, he finished law school at the University of the Philippines College of Law. Teodoro also went to the Harvard Law School in the United States, where he finished his Master of Laws degree in 1997. On the other hand, Teodoro's cousin and rival in the presidential race, Sen. Beningo Aquino III, is an Economics graduate at the Ateneo de Manila University. The manifesto of support for Teodoro was published three days before the May 10 polls. On Friday evening, Teodoro and his supporters are set to hold a grand meeting de avance at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Malate, Manila. - RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV