Vice presidential aspirant and House Deputy Speaker Lito Atienza lauded Senator Christopher "Bong" Go for pulling out of the presidential race.
Atienza, who described Go as his "friend," said he is not surprised by the senator's decision.
"Kaibigan ko yan at mahusay na tayo yan kaya ako'y hindi nabigla nung nagtapat siya na hindi niya damdamin, hindi niya nasa puso ngayon ang paglaban sa pagkapangulo," he told DZRH in an interview.
(He is my friend and he is a good man that is why I was not surprised when he admitted that his feelings and heart are not in place when it comes to presidency.)
He added that Go's decision to pull out was a reflection of his good character, saying that he considers it "real heroic" to admit that he is not ready to become the president.
"That takes a lot of manhood, principle, integrity, courage, especially his big boss - the president of the Philippines is the one who convinced him to run," the official said.
The vice presidential aspirant, who is running with Senator Manny Pacquiao, said Go's decision is correct and he agrees with it.
"That takes a lot of principles on the part of this man, for that I am really praising for his decision," he said.
"Tama naman yung desisyon niya and I agree with that. This may not be his time, but he will have his time in due time," he added.
(His decision is correct and I agree with that. This may not be his time, but he will have his time in due time.)
Go announced on Tuesday that he is pulling out of the presidential race but has yet to file his withdrawal to the Commission on Elections, who said that the senator should file in person.
He cited in his decision pressure from family and wanting to make the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of unity.
