Two administration lawmakers on Thursday rallied behind the movement that urges Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go to run for senator in the 2019 midterm elections.
Reps. Rodolfo Albano III of Isabela and L-Ray Villafuerte of Camarines Sur expressed belief that Go will be an asset to the Duterte administration by pushing for the legislative agenda of the President at the Senate.
The two lawmakers made the statement after a movement called “Ready, Set, Go” was launched Wednesday to persuade Go to join the Senate race in next year’s polls.
But Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting said the “Bong Go for senator” fever was “too early.”
“He has not confirmed if he is running. He is very busy helping the president. Better to leave him alone for the moment so he can do his job well,” said Tambunting, chairman of the House committee on games and amusement.
Albano, majority leader for the House of Representatives’ contingent to the Commission on Appointments, said Go’s humility, loyalty and exposure to the grassroots being the President’s long-time aide are good qualities of a public servant. This, not to mention his competence to serve the people once he gets elected to the national post, Albano added.
“He is a good friend and more than qualified for the job,” Albano said of Go.
Villafuerte, who belongs to one of vote-rich Bicol’s most prominent political clans, said Go’s close ties with the President will help ensure that the Duterte administration has a reliable ally in the Senate who will vigorously push for its priority legislative agenda.
“Bong Go will be an invaluable asset in the Senate. We need men like Bong Go who will help shepherd President Duterte’s high—and inclusive—growth agenda in the Congress,” Villafuerte said.
“As President Duterte’s close-in aide for two decades, Bong Go has embraced as his own the President’s vision of transforming our country into a high-income economy in which all Filipinos get to enjoy the benefits of equitable growth. Bong Go likewise shares the President’s passion and dedication to effect genuine positive change in our society,” Villafuerte said.
Villafuerte said he will personally campaign for Go in CamSur and the rest of Bicol once the latter decides to run in next year’s polls.