Go: Rise in rank a challenge

Former Special Assistant to the President Bong Go said he was taking his jump from 15th to fifth in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey of senatorial candidates as a challenge for him to work harder.

In a statement, Go said he was grateful to people for the trust that was reflected in results of the survey conducted from Jan. 23 to 26 by SWS.

“May this serve as an inspiration for me to work harder and bring to our countrymen the government programs that would benefit the Filipino people,” his statement said.

“I wish to change people’s mindset about someone from the provinces, who worked only as a staffer, who is not famous, not an actor, not from a political clan, can still dream of serving in a bigger capacity,” he said.

The survey results showed Go tied in fifth place with reelectionist Sen. Sonny Angara.

In his statement, Go attributed his rise in the ranking to President Duterte, who had been vigorously endorsing the senatorial candidacy of his most trusted aide.

“It mattered that I was endorsed by the President whom I served for more than 20 years and who really knew who I am,” Go said.

“It was just testament to our people’s belief in the changes that our President wanted,” he added.

Go’s surge in ranking came as the May elections drew near.

Retaining the lead position in the SWS survey was Sen. Grace Poe, followed by Sen. Cynthia Villar in second place, former Sen. Lito Lapid in third place and Rep. Pia Cayetano in fourth.