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It’s final. After going through a lot of choices, the Lakas-Kampi-CMD has announced the running mate for its standard bearer, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr.  The party has chosen former Optical Media Board chairman Edu Manzano, whose candidacy as vice president bet of the administration party will be officially proclaimed next week during the party’s national convention.

The Teodoro-Manzano tandem was announced on Friday by Lakas-Kampi-CMD vice chairman Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno, in a press conference at the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati.

Manzano accepted the offer to be Teodoro’s running mate because he believes in his capability to lead the country as the next president. “I would like to hitch my wagon with that of the good secretary and be part of this team that would push the Filipino’s future,” Manzano said.

But Manzano didn’t deny it Puno played a big role in his decision to accept the vice-presidency offer. It was Puno who asked Teodoro’s permission to open talks with Manzano, whom he had known for a long time and helped in his political and personal careers. He suggested Manzano to Teodoro, based on the TV host’s capability as a public servant.

Manzano and Teodoro were schoolmates at the De La Salle University in Manila.

“Many of you may not be of the knowledge that Secretary Puno has been like a mentor to me,” Manzano said, “He told me to talk to Gibo. I believe he possesses the qualities needed to move this country forward. I want to be part of his team.”

For his part, Teodoro believes that Manzano would help push the party’s platform of governance to bring the country back on its feet. He said Manzano is very close to the people and he believes in his principles of good governance. “He is honorable, forward-looking with vision. He earns his keeps the honorable way,” Teodoro said.