Duterte says ”Bong” Go may want to be president

February 6, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte said on Thursday that his former close aide and now Senator Christopher "Bong" Go might want to be the next president of the Philippines.

Duterte teased Go during the oath-taking ceremony of the newly-appointed government officials in Malacanang.

"I am not interested anymore in politics. I'm out. It's up to you. Except Bong Go. Maybe he wants to be president because in all fire incidents he is always there," he said.

In jest, Duterte said that even if there was no fire yet, Go was already present.

"Maybe you're the one who started the fire," he further joked.

Duterte said Go should not overdo visiting fire victims as people might think he plans to run for president.

After teasing Go, Duterte praised his former aide, who was present in the event and very visible in almost all of the presidential activities even if he already belongs to another separate branch of government.

In almost all his public speeches, Duterte always mentioned Go and what he has been doing for the people.

In a text message to reporters, Go denied that he would run for president.

"I have no plans of running for President. It's not my ambition. I am already happy that I am given the opportunity to give service to my fellow Filipinos," he said.

But Go said he is willing to volunteer as a campaign manager of whoever could continue what Duterte has started comes the 2022 elections. Celerina Monte/DMS