Selfie king Bong Go also rubber band boy

MANILA, Philippines — Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go caught the public’s attention not just for his penchant for taking selfies, but for the rubber bands he always has around his wrist. Many people noticed his rubber bands during the Senate hearing last Monday on the controversial purchase of two frigates in which he was implicated.

Go said the rubber bands come in handy when he wants to keep his folders organized.

“Pero ready din gamitin pang pintik sa masasamang tao” (But I am also ready to use it as a slingshot against bad people),” said Go, who was accused of meddling and favoring a South Korean firm in the procurement of two frigates worth P15.7 billion for the Navy.

Unknown to many, President Duterte’s closest personal aide is also a mean three-point shooter in basketball.

Go stirred social media on Monday when he took a selfie with Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, one of the staunchest critics of Duterte, right after the Senate hearing.

“Nagkatagpo lang kami (we just bumped to each other),” said Go, who takes selfies with world leaders whenever he accompanies Duterte.

Trillanes was the one who called for the Senate hearing on the frigate purchase.

Go denied he meddled in the procurement of the frigates. He also denied favoring a South Korean firm over another supplier and has vowed to resign if there is evidence showing such meddling.