Duterte still considering Senate run so he can continue helping Filipinos, says Go

Sen. Christopher Go with President Rodrio Duterte in Malacañang. (File photo from Go’s office)

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has not ruled out the possibility of his running for senator in 2022, Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go said in an interview on Tuesday.

“He is considering, studying it well,” Go said in a mix of Filipino and English. “If it will help the country, he might. He’s considering running.”

According to Go, Duterte is examining a number of factors, including the senatorial slate of his party, the PDP-Laban.

“If he can help so that more administration candidates will win, that’s what he’s considering,” Go said. “And of course, there’s serving the country as your Tatay Digong. It has already been proven and tested that his service to our countrymen is not only in words but in deeds.”

The ruling PDP-Laban has been urging Duterte to run for senator in the 2022 elections, according to Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, who is the party president.

Meanwhile, Go said that, although Duterte would be more than qualified to be Senate president, it was too early to discuss the matter, especially since the Senate leadership would have to be decided upon by a collegial body.

“But having been a former president would be a big thing in that leadership,” Go said.

“Maybe the president himself has already mentioned the program that will allow him to help more, that will allow him to continue the good programs that have benefited our countrymen. After all, he has already served as a lawmaker before as a congressman. And was also a presiding officer as vice mayor, twice, in Davao,” he added.

Go assured voters that Duterte, if elected, would continue to work hard to promote and protect the welfare of the Filipino people.

“It’s important for him that we get through this pandemic, this crisis that we are facing so that we could return to a normal life,” Go said.

Meanwhile, he confirmed that PDP-Laban officials would meet before Nov. 15 to finalize their candidates for the forthcoming elections.

He also stated that he had already made up his mind to run for vice president, which he had often discussed with PDP members.

“I’m very sure. I’m already a candidate and I’m determined. I have always been consistent with what I say. So, I’m in 100 percent as a candidate for vice president,” he said.