FULL SUPPORT. Senator Christopher “Bong” Go (center) accompanies President Rodrigo Duterte during the inauguration of the Zamboanga Port Expansion Project and the inspection of other completed projects in Zamboanga City on Thursday (Dec. 2, 2021). Just like how he always backs the President, Go said he received the same support when he decided to withdraw from the 2022 presidential race. (Photo courtesy of SBG Facebook)
MANILA – Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Friday issued a plea to his supporters to refrain from camping out while waiting for him outside the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Manila.
Go announced on Tuesday that he is dropping out of the 2022 presidential derby but has yet to file his withdrawal, a requirement by Comelec.
In a statement on Friday, Go reminded his supporters that the threat of Covid-19 lingers.
He also said his decision stands and he has the support of President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Umaapela rin ako sa mga supporters ko na huwag na ninyo akong hintayin sa Comelec sa pagnanais na magbago pa ang desisyon ko. Huwag na po kayong magpakapagod diyan. Mag-ingat rin po tayo dahil may banta pa rin ng Covid-19. Mahal na mahal ko kayo (I appeal to my supporters to not wait for me at the Comelec and urge me to reconsider my decision to withdraw. You’ll just be exhausted. We should all be careful because there is still the threat of Covid-19. I love all of you),” he stated.
He also repeated his apology and sought understanding that he cannot give in to his supporters’ wish for him to serve the country.
“Malungkot pero alam kong naiintindihan ninyo ang aking pagsasakripisyo alang-alang sa aking pamilya, kay Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, at sa inyong lahat (It is sad but I know you understand my decision to sacrifice for my family, President Rodrigo Duterte, and all of you),” he said.
Instead of his aborted run, Go asked his supporters to focus instead on helping the President, who has yet to endorse a candidate.
“Tulungan na lang natin siyang makahanap ng susuportahang kandidato upang masigurong maipagpapatuloy ang mga magagandang pagbabagong nasimulan niya (Let us help him find a candidate to support and who will continue what he has started),” said Go, whose Senate term expires in 2025. (PNA)
