Saying he understands the sentiments of Davao City Mayor Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte, Senator Christopher Lawrence Go noted on Friday that his primary concern now is “public service” while asserting his loyalty to the Filipino people.
Instead of attending the events of the mayor, Go related he has been continuously going around the country, serving the people, which is his mandate.
“As they say, there is always a time for everything. So, I prioritize giving services,” noted Go in a statement.
“This is what I learned from the mayor’s father—former President Rodrigo Duterte,” added the senator, whose ties with the Duterte patriarch paved the way for him to enter mainstream politics.
Go underscored the former President’s advice to him to put the welfare of the Filipinos, especially the poor, above everything else so that “I won’t go wrong.”
The businessman turned politician has been a close ally of the former President for more than two decades. He also served as special assistant to the elder Duterte when he was President until he ran for senator in 2019.
Aside from his loyalty to the country, Go likewise reaffirmed his support and loyalty to the Dutertes and his fellow Davaoeños.
Go has failed to show up in the “Hakbang ng Maisug” rallies including the one in Angeles, Pampanga last Monday, where the Davao City mayor called him out.
“Ikaw Bong Go, kumpare kita (Bong Go, you were a friend). Had we known that this [would] happen, we [would] not have voted for you,” the Davao City mayor was quoted saying.
Baste admitted being disappointed with Go’s silence about the issues his city is facing, like the war on drugs and the controversial show of force to arrest Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
The mayor also said he has high respect for Sen. Risa Hontiveros due to her stance, which has never changed even under a new administration compared to Go.
However, he told Go there is still time to redeem himself.
“You have time na ipakita sa amoa (to show us) that you will stand by the Filipino people!” further stated the Davao mayor, who feels the lawmaker has been distancing himself from the Dutertes.
But Go said he has committed to serve the former President in his lifetime. Just recently, he posted a live video of himself and the former President to dispel ‘fake news’ that the latter is dead, which has been circulating on social media.