Bong Go nixes presidential plans

SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Friday said he had no plans to vie for the country’s presidency in reaction to President Rodrigo Duterte’s remarks in his speech on Thursday night.

“Al am ni yo na man na map ag biro Lively nam ant ala ga si yang mags ali ta. But allow me to clarify, wala po akongp la noo am bis yo n na tum a kb ob i lang pangu lo( You know the President was only joking. He is a lively speaker. But allow me to clarify, I have no plan or ambition to run for president), the senator said in a radio interview.

Speaking before newly appointed government officials in Malacañang on Friday, President Duterte reiterated that he would retire from politics, but implied that Go might pursue the presidency.

Go said the presidency was “God-given and not something to aspire for. Ang posiyon na‘ yan ay hindi‘ yan ina-ambisyon. Galing sin um an an gk ail an gan sap ana hon( You cannot aim for that position, that is God-given to anyone who is needed at that time),” he said.

The senator recounted Duterte’s path to the presidency, saying he was elected because he was the kind of leader the people needed.

Instead of talking about politics, Go said he would rather focus on his work as a senator and serve the Filipino people.

As for the President’s remarks regarding the senator’s penchant for visiting fire victims all over the country, he said he was simply fulfilling his promise to Filipinos, adding that he does not like just sitting in his Senate office.

He said not all Filipinos could come to his office to seek help, which is why he was taking the initiative to go to them and listen to their concerns to find solutions to their daily struggles.

Go said in a previous statement that he would support whoever would continue the work that President Duterte had started — bringing in positive change in the country and in the lives of every Filipino.

“Ayawkopapopag-usapan ang pol itika,masg us to kong unahinangpagse-serbisyo.Pero kung ta tanung inn in yo akotungkol 2022 elections, I am willing to volunteer as campaign

manager sakungsinumanang makakap ag patuloyngpagb ab ago

Duterte (I don’t want to talk about politics, I want to prioritize serving the Filipinos. But if

you will ask me about 2022 elections, I am willing to volunteer as campaign manager to anyone

who will continue what President Duterte has started),” he said.