Go slams ex-President Aquino’s remarks vs Duterte

DAVAO CITY — Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go slammed Thursday remarks made by former President Benigno Aquino III on President Duterte’s health condition, including Aquino’s promise to actively participate in the campaign for the opposition slate in the 2019 midterm elections.

“Let’s just let the people judge for themselves. I think you will feel it,” Go said through a local radio station. “Walk on the streets, see if your children are safe, if there are improvements. We don’t need to boast about the accomplishments of the Duterte administration. Let the people judge,” Go added.

Earlier, former President Aquino vowed to help in the campaign of a genuine opposition to provide constructive criticisms and checks and balances to the government.

But Go appealed to the public not to dwell on the negativity of the opposition but on the positive changes Duterte has initiated.

President’s health

Go also reacted to Aquino’s statement on the President’s health.

“You saw him yesterday, he was very healthy. He delivered a two-hour speech. I timed it, he was on stage for two hours. And he was able to say everything he needed to say,” he said

He said despite rumors about his health, President Duterte continued to meet guests when he arrived in Davao City after his visit to Cebu on Tuesday.

Go said the President, who dropped from public view after he guested in the Visayas cluster conference of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines in Cebu City on Tuesday, continued receiving visitors here in private.

Go, however, did not disclose who the President was meeting on Wednesday but on the evening of the same day, Malacanang released a photo of the President receiving visitors at the Matina Enclaves here, only a block away from his residence.

Among his guests were Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Sinyo Harry Sarundajang and the founding chair of the Moro National Liberation Front Nur Misuari, who was wearing a white “barong” and was photographed shaking hands, grinning and hugging the President.

The 73-year-old president, who donned a dark polo shirt during the occasion, was also photographed talking with Datu Shahbandar Abdusakur Tan, special envoy of the Royal Council of Sulu Sultanate. There was no detail yet as to what transpired during the meetings.

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