TACLOBAN CITY—All six governors in Eastern Visayas have expressed support for the vice presidential candidacy of Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, President Rodrigo Duterte’s closest confidant.
Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone disclosed the information, saying there were now 56 governors supporting Go.
“Senator Go has been instrumental in bringing Malacañang closer to the people of Eastern Visayas,” Evardone said in a statement.
“We believe that he will carry the Duterte brand of leadership which prioritizes the poor people and underdeveloped communities,” he added.
Other governors on the list were Michael Reynolds Tan of Samar, Rogelio Espina of Biliran, Damian Mercado of Southern Leyte, Edwin Ongchuan of Northern Samar and Leopoldo Dominico Petilla of Leyte.
Evardone said under the Duterte administration, there was a “very substantial improvement in the peace and order situation in the region and the drug trade has also been “dramatically reduced.”
“Health services through the Malasakit centers have helped many of our people in the region,” Evardone said, referring to Go’s projects.
“As a long-time close aide to then Davao City mayor and now President Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Bong Go has gained wide and valuable insights on and has had to confront problems relating to both local and national governance,” he added.
Evardone said the governors are optimistic that once elected as vice president, Go will continue the programs of Duterte like the fight against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption.
“These are some of the problems we continue to face as local officials, despite the administration’s gains in stamping out such nefarious activities,” he said.