http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/noynoy-trails-gibo-mock-poll
FORMER defense secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. won nearly half of all the votes in a mock election conducted during a presidential aspirants’ forum hosted yesterday by leaders of Cebu’s influential business community.
In marked contrast to his survey ratings so far, Teodoro of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD won 456 of 960 votes (about 47.5 percent). He led by 160 votes over Liberal Party candidate Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, who gained 296 votes.
The four other presidential aspirants present each won fewer than 90 votes, or less than 10 percent of the mock election’s participants. They are Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar (88), Sen. Richard Gordon (45), evangelist Eddie Villanueva (29) and former president Joseph Estrada (19). Two voted for Nicanor Perlas, who was not in the forum.
Apparently, a handful of voters remained undecided.
Students from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business conducted the mock election from 3:30 p.m to 6:30 p.m. They collected majority of the votes while the candidates were onstage answering questions during the “Choices and Voices for 2010: An Encounter with the Presidentiables” forum held at the Cebu International Convention Center. “Having an educated electorate is the key to the future,” said Consul Sammy Chioson, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), in his opening remarks. “What we need is a president who reflects our growing dynamism.”
Teodoro was a crowd favorite. A pack of supporters all dressed in green waited outside the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) to cheer on the presidential aspirant when he arrived, then mobbed him for photos when the forum ended.
Of all six candidates, he was the only who referred to a hot-button issue for the business chambers who hosted the forum: the fact that Cebu-based consumers pay P7 to P8 more per liter of fuel, compared to buyers in other cities.
Teodoro said that is “unacceptable” and vowed to work for “free and open domestic competition.”
Lawyer Gloria Estenzo-Ramos of the Global Legal Action on Climate Change said she was pleased with what the candidates had to say about climate change. She added she was particularly pleased with the comments of Aquino, Gordon, Teodoro and Villanueva.
“They know what they are talking about and they know the issue,” said Ramos.
She agreed with Gordon’s stand on the need for preparedness and adaptation.
Marchoflix Uncabon, a senior Political Science student of the University of San Jose-Recoletos, said he believes Teodoro can win the 2010 elections. “Teodoro has a clear platform, different from that of the other candidates,” said Uncabon.
“Though Villar has the greater experience, Teodoro is more consistent with his statements, and I believe that he can bring change to the country,” said Keishma Arreza, 21, a business development officer.
Business leader Txabi Aboitiz said the forum went well, as all the questions raised by the different business chambers and the audience were addressed. Though still undecided, Aboitiz said the forum was a good venue to hear each aspirant weigh in on specific issues.
“The forum was highly successful. All of them improved and some are very articulate, but this is not the only basis in voting for these people,” said Mila Espina, CCCI tourism committee chairperson.
With the success of the presidential forum, Chioson said they may also organize a forum for those running for local offices.
The CCCI, Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Cebu Business Club organized the forum
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