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Bong Go surges into solo 3rd place in latest SWS poll

MANILA — With a little over two months remaining before the May 2019 elections, former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go surged to break into the top three slots in the latest Social Weather Station survey for the midterm senatorial race.

“Maraming salamat po sa dumarami nating kababayan na nagtitiwala sa aking kakayahan at intensyon na mag-serbisyo ng tapat at lubos. Kayo po ang nagsisilbing inspirasyon at lakas sa akin upang dagdagan ang pagsisikap na maipaabot sa mas nakararami ang mga ‘serbisyong Tatak Duterte’ na aking ipagpapatuloy para sa kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino,” Go said in an interview.

An SWS survey conducted Feb.25-28 showed the administration bet receiving the approval of 47 percent of the respondents to claim solo third place.

This reflects a continuous improvement from his 5th to 6th place ranking with 41 percent conducted by the same survey firm in Jan. 23-26 and coming from a 15th-16th ranking back in December 2018.

Go said he is humbled by the consistent rise in the survey results as he also thanked the people for trusting in his capability and sincerity in serving the nation.

He also reiterated his gratitude to his mentor, President Rodrigo Duterte, who vouched for his integrity and endorsed his candidacy.

“Malaki ang tiwala ng ating mga kababayan kay Pangulong Duterte, na pinagsilbihan ko sa loob ng mahigit na 20 taon, kayat hindi matatawaran ang tulong ng kanyang pagsuporta sa aking kandidatura,” said Go, who vowed to support the programs and policies of the Duterte administration.

“Ipagpapatuloy po natin ang tunay na pagbabago na sinimulan ng ating Pangulong Duterte,” he added.

Despite his strong showing in the survey, Go said it is no time to rest, adding that he would work double time to pursue his campaign and help the unfortunate, particularly fire victims.

“Tulad po ng pangako ko, kahit saang eskinita papasukin ko para matulungan ang mga nangangailangan,” said Go, who has been visiting fire victims to help them in between his busy campaign schedule.

“Mas importante sa akin ang makatulong at makapagserbisyo sa tao, higit pa sa pangangampanya,” he added.

Meanwhile, Go reiterated his appeal to his supporters to refrain from posting campaign materials in unauthorized areas and to follow the law.

“Inuulit ko ang panawagan ko sa mga supporters namin: I am begging you, huwag ninyo ilagay ang mga campaign materials sa mga bawal na lugar. Kapag may nakita kayong ilegal na nakakabit, pakitanggal na kaagad,” Go stressed.

While using campaign materials in support of a candidate is a right protected under the freedom of expression, Go said it must be done in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission on Elections.

“Freedom of expression po yan na magpakita ng suporta at pagtitiwala sa aming kakayahang maglingkod. Pero gawin po natin ito ng naaayon sa batas at mga patakaran ng Comelec,” Go said.

It would even be better, according to Go, if his supporters would use the funds intended for his campaign materials for construction materials, like plywood, and other relief goods for fire victims.

“Kung gusto niyo talaga ako suportahan, suportahan ninyo ang mga adhikain namin ni Pangulong Duterte. Unahin natin ang pagbigay serbisyo at tulong, magmalasakit tayo sa kapwa, dahil higit na mas importante ito kaysa sa kampanya. Ibili niyo nalang sana iyan ng plywood para sa nasunugan kaysa gastusin para sa pangangampanya,” he said.

Go also stressed anew his commitment to abide by the election laws and play fair.

“Clean and honest elections have always been the trademark of the President even when he was still Mayor of Davao City and it will be the hallmark of this administration. At saan man ako dalhin ng tadhana, manalo man o hindi, lalaban tayo ng patas at naaayon sa batas,” Go said.

In the same survey conducted, fellow PDP senatorial candidate and former Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Francis Tolentino received the biggest increase in ratings as he jumped to 14th place with 32 percent from his previous ranking of 22 percent in January. (PR)

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