No other presidential candidate is being endorsed by President Rodrigo Duterte, who has committed his full support to the presidential run of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.
“Bong Go is my only presidential bet,” emphasized Duterte, as he endorsed his long-time aide for the highest post.
In an online interview, the President stressed it was him who pushed Go to run for president after the senator withdrew his vice-presidential bid following Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte’s decision to run for the country’s second highest post.
“Ayan bukas ang presidente, tumakbo ka,” Duterte said.
“I gave him guidance. And he said Kaya sabi Inday will run so he will just withdraw, and he no longer wants to run. So, I told him, you already started so you have to run for President. So, that was what they did to you so fight it off,” also said the President.
According to Duterte, there was never a time when he was heard that he’s for former Sen. Bongbong Marcos who is also vying for the presidency.
“Wala, wala kayong narinig. Kailan man hindi ako nagsalita na may susuportahan ako,” he said.
Duterte divulged he just talked to Marcos out of respect, but he never gave a commitment that he will support them.
Duterte also put a spotlight on the good qualities that the presidential aspirant possesses that makes him a highly deserving candidate for the said position.
Emphasizing Go’s “malasakit” for the Filipinos, the President likewise said that it is Go who will be the most suitable public servant to continue his legacy for the benefit of his fellow countrymen and women.
“He never boasted he’s capable of doing such thing, but I know he is honest since he has served me for a long time,” further stated Duterte of his former aide.
Go was accompanied by the President at the Commission on Elections office in Intramuros, Manila on Saturday, November 13, where he filed his candidacy for president under the Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS), an allied party of the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).
“The fact that Bong backtracked, I know he gave way because of his long service and his family is my friend. And I pity him. You saw he almost cry. But I told him whatever is your decision I will support you, as a matter of principle,” Duterte stressed.
His support to Go, the President added, is a matter of principle.
“Kaya nga kung matalo kami, eh kainin namin ‘yan,” he said.
The President insisted he has one word, and he will stand on his word.