President Rodrigo Duterte has endorsed his top officials – Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque – as two of his senatorial candidates for the 2019 senatorial elections.
This was according to Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, who made such revelation on his Facebook page around 1:13 a.m. Wednesday.
“Late night in Malacañang beside the President’s two senatorial bets from the cabinet. #BongGo #HarryRoque,” he wrote.
In a text message to reporters, Roque thanked Mr. Duterte for the support but said he did not have the money to fund his campaign.
“[I] don’t have P500 million. I thank him for the support but awan ti kwarta (I have no money)!” he said.
In a press briefing last week, Roque said he was not yet sure if he would run for the Senate.
Go, on the other hand, had earlier said his candidacy depends on the decision of Mr. Duterte.
But in a statement on Wednesday, Go said he was humbled of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte’s endorsement of his candidacy, and vowed to serve the First Family “forever.”
“I am humbled by the endorsement of our beloved city Mayor Inday Sara. The Dutertes, the Father, the Daughter, are my inspiration and the example of being a true public servant,” Go said.
“Kahit maaga pa po pag-usapan ang politika, ni ‘di ko pa naisip ang tumakbo, ngunit sa mga salitang binitiwan ng ating mahal na Mayora Inday Sara, ngayon palang nakakataba ng puso at nakakawala ng pagod kahit na 24 oras akong mag-trabaho,” he added. /kga