MANILA, Philippines – Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Tuesday said she is “very sure” that former Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go is not using government funds to boost his senatorial campaign.
The Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) leader issued the statement after opposition senatorial bet Gary Alejano accused Go of distributing campaign shirts during a public assembly attended by barangay officials.
“Ang registration fee na umabot ng mahigit P19,000 ay para sa gastusin ng attendees at kasama dito ang kit na naglalaman ng nasabing polo shirt,” the Magdalo party-list Representative said in a statement.
Alejano also claimed that government funds were used during the event.
“I’m sure na if he’s made to answer if ano ‘yung source ng funds niya from his T-shirts, I’m sure it will not be from government funds. Alam naman niya ‘yun ang tagal na niya sa politika,” the presidential daughter said.
“Probably inallow siya na mag-insert ng T-shirts doon. But ‘yung funds I can be very sure na hindi government ‘yun,” she added.
Go, meanwhile, vehemently denied Alejano’s accusation.
“Huwag kayong mag-alala hindi ako gumagamit ng government funds,” he said.
(Don’t worry, I do not use government funds.)
“Wala po akong idea (about that), tanungin na lang po nila ang organizers. Pakiusap ko po sa lahat na huwag niyo gamitin pangalan ko without my knowledge and consent,” he added.
(I have no idea about that, they better ask the organizers. I also appeal to the public not to use my name without my knowledge and consent.)
President Rodrigo Duterte himself has repeatedly said that no state resources would be used for or by any candidate during the campaign period of the May midterm elections. /gsg