President Rodrigo Duterte has confirmed that he will be endorsing his long-time aide and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go as his successor for the 2022 national elections, in a decision he said was a “matter of principle.”
Duterte, in an interview with a blogger simply answered Go's name when he was asked who he will support as president.
"Si Senator Go, ni minsan wala kayong narinig na mag (Bongbong) Marcos ako," he told the vlogger.
This is despite the recent announcement that Marcos is the running-mate of presidential daughter, Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.
Duterte alleged that Marcos is pro-communist, just like Vice President Leni Robredo, and that was why he was not supporting the presidential aspirant.
"Yang pagtakbo ni Marcos sasabihin ko ang rason kung bakit di ako makakasuporta sa kanya at kung bakit maging kagaya kay Leni, eh mga pro ano yan eh dyan na nga ako takot eh, mga pro-communist yan eh," he said.
(I’ll tell you why I’m not supporting Marcos, and just like Leni, they are — that’s why I’m afraid — they are pro-communist.)
The president said he will be supporting Go as a "matter of principle." He added that the senator reportedly "cried" when he attempted to withdraw his candidacy after Sara Duterte announced her vice-presidential bid.
"Umiiyak si Bong, sabi ko wag kang umiyak bat ka iiyak? Ayan bukas ang presidente tumakbo ka, bakit ka iiyak dyan dahil lang anak ko sumingit bigla?" he also said.
(Bong was crying. I said, don’t cry, why are you crying? The presidency is open, run for it. Why are you crying just because my daughter suddenly joined the race?)
"The fact na umatras si Bong, siyempre alam ko na pinagbigyan kami ni Bong dahil nga sa tagal niyang nagserbisyo samin. At kilala ko at kaibigan ko ang pamilya nila at naawa ako sa nangyari, kita mo yung tao napaiyak? Pero sabi ko whatever is your decision I will support you as a matter of principle," he said.
(The fact that Bong pulled out, I knew that Bong was letting us have our way after serving us for so long. And I know and am friends with his family and I felt pity over what happened. Did you see him cry? But I told him that I will support you as a matter of principle.)
He also cited the senator's honesty during his time as an aide to him.
"Eh wala itong ginawang hambog na kwento na kaya niya pero alam ko sa taon na nagserbisyo siya sakin alam ko isang ano is talagang honest, wala ka talagang makita," he explained.
(He does not have a boastful story, and I know after years of his service to me, he is really honest.)
Duterte was with Go on Saturday when he pulled out of the vice presidential race and filed another Certificate of Candidacy for the presidency.
Go, who spoke to reporters after his filing, reiterated his love for Duterte and vowed to continue his projects.
"Ipagpapatuloy ko po 'yung magagandang programa ni Pangulong Duterte. Lahat ng magagandang programa ipagpapatuloy ko at dadagdagan ko pa po," he said.
(I will continue the good programs of President Duterte. I will continue all of the good projects and add more.)
