Clarity in chaos

Some analysts regard the recent withdrawal from the presidential race of Senator Lawrence “Bong” Go as a manifestation of the disarray that lies within the ruling party, PDP Laban.

But Senator Go’s heartfelt message declaring his intention to step back showed clarity on his part — he did not want to engage in ugly politics, he said. His family is opposed to the idea. And he would rather continue implementing services to the Filipino as he had been doing these past years.

Does bowing out always show weakness?

“I leave my fate to God and to the Filipino people as I vow to do my best every day to serve selflessly and tirelessly,” Senator Go said. “I am willing to make the supreme sacrifice for the good of our country and for the sake of unity among our supporters.”

Sometimes, as the 4,000-year-old Chinese well of wisdom called I Ching says, “When confronted with superior forces, there is no shame in retreat.

Only by retreating can one regroup and try again at a later time.” While it may seem like recent events reveal a disruption, it may also signify a strength within — that of a will to put others before oneself, to retreat as if to surrender. But if it is to give in for a greater purpose, then it is a kind of strength.

Go, based on his words, mentioned unity as one of the reasons he decided to withdraw.

“As

fickle as the changes may have appeared, there have apparently been plenty of private.

“While

it may seem like recent events reveal a disruption, it may also signify a strength within — that of a will to put others before oneself, to retreat as if to surrender.

The party he filed his candidacy under, however, is still rooting for him.

The reason Go had not gone to the Commission on Elections to formalize his withdrawal, said Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission head Greco Belgica in a report, is “because he was there.”

He said his party, Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS), still “hoped” Go would run in 2022.

For the former aide of President Rodrigo Duterte, however, his candidacy seems to be dividing supporters since other administration allies are backing Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s tandem with presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

The President had been vocal about his opinion of Marcos. The headlines burned with his references to a supposed cocaine user and “weak leader.”

At this stage in the game, the Duterte camp is clear about its “bigger mission of pursuing the gains of this administration,” Belgica also said.

Yet as Filipinos await the final decision on a “clear bet” aligned with the administration, other aspirants had weighed in on the possibility of an empty nest for the President.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said he would welcome an endorsement from the President. He said he needs all the boost he can get in light of the vast Philippine voting populace, for beggars cannot be choosers.

Vice President Leni Robredo said it is Go’s right to change his mind, and that they are “not affected” by the recent turn of events because their party is focused on their own programs and platforms.

Senator Ping Lacson said he cannot opine on the endorsement question; after all, it would be “presumptuous” on their part to seek the President’s nod, and also, an endorsement is simply an endorsement.

Senator Manny Pacquiao, said he “respects the decisions of other politicians” but would rather focus on finding ways to help his fellowmen.

Others also came forth with their comments, including labor leader and presidential aspirant Ka Leody de Guzman who said Bong

Go’s stepping back only strengthens the Bongbong-Sara tandem.

While many had seen the nuances of the recent action by the quiet senator, those who say they know him better said his decision reflected the man’s “genuine character” and “”humility.”

Go had cited his personal battles in being fielded into running first for VP then the presidency. As fickle as the changes may have appeared, there have apparently been plenty of private considerations to consider amid the vision to continue the Duterte legacy.

I am only human, Bong Go said. In the end, he prefers not to be a cause of problems for the President, who he loves like a father. Political ambition had never been in his narrative, after all. Service had remained his mantra through it all.

Focused on this, clarity came to Bong Go.