Who is Gilbert Teodoro, Jr. (and why is he running for President)?

Today (Sept 16), the unified Lakas-Kampi-CMD party of the Administration voted to put National Defense Sec. Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro in the running for the highest position in Philippine government - choosing him over MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando and pitting him against cousin Sen. Noynoy Aquino.

If you are like me who is a bit disconnected from Philippine politics, you would go: "Who is Gilbert Teodoro, Jr.?" And for that matter, why is he running for President?

I had this notion that people who run for President are those famous enough so that you won't have to ask. Then again, I asked the exact same question about NoyNoy Aquino. I didn't know Ninoy had a son in the Senate! Wow! Circumstances have changed a lot in the past couple of months. From obscure to Presidentiable was the path NoyNoy took - at least for me. And it seems Gibo will be much of the same now that he has been thrust into the limelight...

Cojuangco vs Cojuangco?

It had been mentioned a lot that the 2010 National Elections Presidential seat will be a fight between two Cojuangco's. How so? I researched a bit and now understand that NoyNoy Aquino and Gibo Teodoro, Jr. are second cousins.

Noynoy's mother - the late Pres. Cory Cojuangco-Aquino is first cousins with Gibo's mother, Mercedes Cojuangco-Teodoro. Their grandfathers, Jose and Eduardo Conjuangco are brothers.

Jose Cojuangco's Family Tree

Under Jose Cojuangco's family tree are other famous personalities, politicians and celebrities including Jose Jr. or more popularly known as Peping Cojuangco (whose wife is TingTing de los Reyes-Cojuangco) and his famous children China Cojuangco, Mikee Cojuangco and Maimai Cojuangco. These 3 girls have a couple more non-showbiz siblings.

We can't forget to mention, of course, Jose Cojuangco's most famous grandchild (for the moment), Kris Aquino-Yap.

Soon enough, Noynoy will eclipse Kris is popularity - nothing like running for the Presidency to make you a household name.

Eduardo Cojuangco's Family Tree

Eduardo's side of the Cojuangco clan is also not short of the rich and famous - foremost is 7th Richest Man in the Philippines in 2009, Eduardo Jr. or Danding Cojuangco. Danding is Gibo's uncle, brother of his mother Mercedes Cojuangco who is married to Gilbert Teodoro, Sr., former SSS Administrator.

So, now we know who Gibo is and how he is related to Noynoy - it's time to know what he is about. My first impression is one of pleasant surprise, his resume is quite impressive. But performance matters much more than what is on paper. I am looking forward to reading more about him, Sen. Noynoy Aquino and 9th Richest man in the Philippines (pero taga-Tondo!) Sen. Manny Villar. For starters, I've followed them on Twitter too. ;)

It's still a long way to go before election day. It will be very interesting how each candidate will try to win the people's votes while keeping their integrity and composure. Public scrutiny will be at its highest for them - beginning now. Good luck.



Photos from here and here. The Family tree was made by yours truly.



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