MANILA - Senator-elect Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, the closest ally of President Rodrigo Duterte to clinch a seat in the Senate, was not accompanied by family during the proclamation of winners of the midterm polls Wednesday.

• The rise of Bong Go

Go arrived at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) with some of his staff members and Malacañang officials, including Palace Communications Secretary Martin Andanar.

When it was his turn for the photo opportunity after the proclamation rites, Go was alone on stage unlike most of his fellow senators-elect.

Asked why he was not accompanied by his family at his proclamation, Go said they did not make it because of the short notice.

"Taga-Davao po ako. Taga-probinsya lang po ako. Wala po akong, hindi po ako handa na magkakaroon ng proclamation ngayon. Kagabi lang po nag-finalize ang Comelec na magkaka-proclamation. Actually, pauwi na po kami ng Davao inaantay lang talaga namin,” he told reporters at a chance interview after his proclamation.

Go’s wife and children are rarely seen in public, as the newly elected senator spent most of his time with the President.

Prior to running for senator, Go had served as Duterte’s aide for over two decades.

He placed third in the Senate race after garnering 20,657,702 votes.