President Duterte accompanies SAP Bong Go as he files his certificate of candidacy for the 2019 senatorial race at the Comelec headquarters on Monday, October 15, 2018. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte personally accompanied Special Assistant to the President Bong Go during the filing of his certificate of candidacy for senator at the Commission on Elections office in Intramuros, Manila Monday.
Go announced his decision to run as he visited a church near Malacañang to say a prayer before heading to Comelec to file his COC.
Having been with President Rodrigo Duterte for two decades, Go is considered the person to reach to get an audience with the chief executive. Wherever Duterte goes, he would almost always also be there.
A victory in the Senate race for Go would be bittersweet, as this would also mean leaving his boss, who has heavily relied on him for the good part of his political life.
“This is my first time na sasabak sa election. Kinakabahan po ako. Nalulungkot rin po ako sa panibagong magiging desisyon sa buhay ko po,” Go told reporters.
“Medyo mapapalayo ako sa pangulo pero sisikapin ko po in my private capacity na tutulong pa rin po ako sa kanya. Nasa tabi pa rin niya ako.”
Go had been coy about his Senate bid, saying all depended on Duterte’s decision.
But the President’s pronouncements, as well as the special assistant’s banners that have sprouted across the country and his numerous appearances in public events, all but confirmed his Senate aspiration.
While Go enjoys the trust and confidence of the President, much needs to be done for him to win the elections.
In the latest Pulse Asia senatorial survey, he only ranked 22-27.