In a surprising turn of events, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go is new standard bearer of Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS) while Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has withdrawn his certificate of candidacy for president under PDP-Laban on Saturday, Nov. 13 at the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Dela Rosa's withdrawal of his presidential bid came the same day after the filing of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio of her COC as vice president after substituting for Lyle Fernando Uy. Go has earlier dismissed claims that he will be backing out of his vice presidential bid.
With the filing of Dela Rosa's withdrawal, Go withdrew his candidacy for Vice President to pursue the country's top position under PDDS.
Dela Rosa has recently stated that he is not losing hope that the mayor will change her mind and run for president in the upcoming May 2022 elections. He even mentioned that he was willing to abandon his presidential bid should the Davao city mayor decide to run for president under the ruling political party’s banner.
But instead, Go left his vice presidential bid while Dela Rosa on the other hand vacated the presidential spot as Duterte-Carpio ran for vice president under Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats' (Lakas-CMD) of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Go has mentioned before that he is determined to run for vice president despite the changes that will occur before the deadline for the substitution of candidates.
But a few days ago, when Duterte that announced she is withdrawing her COC for reelection as Davao City mayor, the vice presidential aspirant, in an emotional fashion, said that there would be changes PDP's candidates in the upcoming May 2022 elections
Duterte to run for VP
Known supporters flooded the halls of Comelec as President Duterte made an appearance to support Go. On Monday, Nov. 15, the last day of filing for substitutions,Duterte will file his COC as Vice President, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said.
“Tuloy ang pagbabago, tuloy ang malasakit, tuloy ang serbisyo,” Go shouted as President Duterte raised his hand.
The President even erased the word "Vice" from the streamer of Go to spell out the word "President".
"Ayaw kong masaktan ang mahal na Pangulo. Kung kailangan kong masaktan at tumabi yun ang gagawin ko. Ipagpapatuloy ko ang tunay na serbisyo, tunay na malasakit at tunay na pagpapabgo (I don't want to hurt the dear President. If I need to get hurt and take a step back, I would do that. I will continue the true service, true concern and true change)," he said.
The now presidential aspirant vowed to continue the programs initiated by Duterte during his six-year presidency. He also mentioned that he loves the Filipino people and would not waste a minute to continue servicing his countrymen.
"Sino ang magpapatuloy? Kung wala pong papalit? Sa ngayon ang masasagot ay yung kay Go muna, antayin natin ang desisyon ng ating mahal na pangulo (Who will continue? If no one will replace ? For now I can only answer for myself, let us wait for the President's decision)," he aadded.
Despite the President's tough job, Go said that he will create more programs and what he can offer to Filipinos is his hard work and concern for them.
"Ako po ay nasagasaan, tao lang po ako. Nadapa po ko. Kailangan kong bumangon para sa partido at sambayanang Pilipino (I was hurt, I'm only human. I fell down. But I needed to get up for my party, for the Filipino people)," Go stated.
"Save the legacy, save the party, save the Filipino people," Go said.