Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday, Feb. 9, reminded voters to choose the country’s next set of leaders carefully, making sure to thoroughly scrutinize their character and their priorities as well as their intentions on why they are running in the upcoming May 2022 elections.

“Let us remember that we must vote for leaders who cannot only unite the nation but also deliver on their promises,” Go said in a statement.

“As citizens, our biggest responsibility is to exercise our right to vote. When we vote, we give ourselves a chance for our voices to be heard by choosing leaders who not only share our ideals but who will also uplift the lives of our people and carry out our aspirations for our nation,” said the lawmaker.

“What is at stake here is not only our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic but also the future of our nation and the next generation of Filipinos,” he reiterated.

Go, a close friend and ally of the President, then praised the Duterte administration for its fast and decisive actions in times of crisis.

The President, he noted, successfully laid a solid foundation for the future by enacting into law the Universal Health Care Act which aims to guarantee care for all Filipinos through a single-payer healthcare system.

Go also claimed that under the current administration, the Philippines entered a golden age in infrastructure development through reform initiatives such as the “Build, Build, Build” program.

Millions of jobs were created and the economy improved due to bold policies like the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law which helped ensure steady revenue flow to fund massive investments, and the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act which reduced corporate income taxes for micro, small and medium enterprises, Go also enumerated.

Go also insisted that the President’s vigorous nationwide campaign against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption; doubling of the salaries of all uniformed personnel; and establishing the 8888 Citizens Complaints Center has resulted in safer streets as well as a more effective, responsive and transparent government, among others.

“With all the many beneficial projects, programs and initiatives that President Duterte has undertaken, it is important that we choose a successor who will build on his gains and not destroy them,” the senator said.

Last year, Go filed his certificate of candidacy for vice president but eventually withdrew after Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio announced her plans to also run for the same position.

The senator then decided to file his COC for president but also withdrew from the presidential race claiming that his family did not support his plan to seek the top government post.