MANILA, Philippines - An official of Lakas-Kampi-CMD remains optimistic about a victory for standard-bearer Gilbert Teodoro, after around 130 congressmen affirmed their support for the administration bet.
Lakas-Kampi-CMD deputy secretary-general Reginald Velasco told ANC's Talkback on Monday that the party machinery can deliver the votes for Teodoro in the polls.
Velasco said relying on party machinery has been the strategy of the Teodoro camp in the presidential race.
He added local candidates of the ruling coalition are also conducting voters' education among their constituents for the country's first national automated elections.
Velasco believes this move will translate into votes for Teodoro, noting that Lakas-Kampi-CMD is fielding more local candidates than the Liberal Party and the Nacionalista Party.
"We have the numbers as far as the numbers are concerned... They (Liberal Party and the Nacionalista Party) don't have candidates in many areas," Velasco said.
"From day 1, that is where our strength is. Plus, of course, the youth, students and women that we have (garnered support from)," he said.
Velasco also maintained that Teodoro has no plans of leaving the party and cutting ties with President Gloria Arroyo.
Section Main Story,ANC,Gilbert Teodoro,Liberal Party,Lakas-KAMPI,Reginald Velasco