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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Go formally withdraws presidential bid

Go formally withdraws presidential bid

Published Dec 14, 2021 11:12 am

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go formally withdrew his candidacy for president on Tuesday, Dec. 14 at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office.

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go at the Comelec office on Tuesday, Dec. 14. (Ali Vicoy / MANILA BULLETIN)

Go personally withdrew his certificate of candidacy (COC) for president according to Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez as per the rules of the Comelec. Onboard a taxi, Go said that he did not even inform anyone not even his security guards nor drivers about his decision to go to the Comelec office.

"Wala na po ako sa karerang ito no, sa pagtakbo. Naghanap lang lang po ako ng tamang panahon at pinapaintindi ko po sa aking mga supporters na talagang desidido na po ako at ako po'y may isang salita (I am out of the presidential race. I just waited for the proper time and I had to make it clear to my supporters that I am certain and true to my word)," Go told reporters outside Comelec.

In a surprising turn of events last month, Go became the new standard bearer of Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS) while Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa withdrew his certificate of candidacy for president under PDP-Laban.

Dela Rosa’s then 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.

READ MORE: Go having second thoughts on his 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 and was even accompanied by President Duterte who later field his COC for senator.

But a few weeks ago, Go began having doubts on his presidential bid and admitted that it might not yet be his time to become the country’s leader.

“Pero sa ngayon, baka hindi ko pa po panahon. Ako yung taong handang magsakripisyo para wala nang maipit, masaktan at mamroblema. Ayoko na pong mahirapan si Pangulo at yung mga supporters natin. Mahal ko po si Pangulong Duterte. Matanda na rin po siya at ayaw ko siyang bigyan pa ng dagdag na problema (But for now, maybe it’s not my time. I’m the kind of person who is ready to sacrifice so no one else gets hurt. I don’t want to be a burden to the President and our supporters. I love President Duterte. He’s old and I do not want to add up to his problems),” he added.

Having said this, Go said that he left his fate to God and the Filipino people as he vowed to do his best every day to serve selflessly and tirelessly.

“I am willing to make the supreme sacrifice for the good of our country, and for the sake of unity among our supporters and leaders,” he stated.

Asked on whose presidential bid would Go and President Duterte support in 2022, he said that they would still have discuss it.

"Pag-uusapan pa namin ni Pangulong Duterte kung sino nga po makapagpapatuloy ng pagbabagong inumpisahan ni Pang. Duterte yung mga programang magaganda (It is still up for discussion between me and President Duterte on who can continue the great changes that he has started as well as the good programs)," Go said.

Related Tags

MAY 2022 national and local elections Senator Christopher Bong Go May 2022 elections 2022 presidential elections Senator Christopher Go May 2022 polls 2022 polls 2022 national and local polls 2022 NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS
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