Cusi faction committed to Go-Duterte tandem

MANILA, Philippines — The PDP-Laban faction of energy chief Alfonso Cusi is committed to the tandem of Sen. Bong Go and President Duterte even if the senator is still undecided about his nomination by the party as its standard-bearer.

And this time, there would be no substitute candidates for Duterte, who earlier accepted the party nomination for vice presidential candidate.

In an interview yesterday over One News, PDP-Laban secretary general Melvin Matibag denied that there would be another substitution of names in the certificate of candidacy.

In 2016, Duterte came in as the substitute candidate for Martin Diño, who was the one originally listed as PDP-Laban standard bearer.

Matibag said this time, Duterte signed his Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance early.

“President Duterte really thought and decided this time around. Now, it is very clear that he still wants to have a role so he can continue what he started in this administration,” Matibag said in Filipino.

“For us, we do not think that Duterte would be changing his decision (this time),” he added.

Matibag said they are still gunning for the Go-Duterte tandem for next year’s elections, and denied that Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte is really their presidential bet.

In a separate interview aired over One News’ The Chiefs, Matibag said they are still waiting for Go to accept his nomination as the party’s presidential bet.

Go earlier declined the nomination, but said he would be running if the president is his runningmate.

“Maybe [Go] is still thinking it through and maybe he is still balancing things. Sometimes, those who are taking their time to think and who have hesitation, they are the ones who become successful,” he said.

“So, we are banking on that. What is important is, the President already signed his CONA and I think from that point forward, it would be difficult to turn back,” he added.

The secretary general also shot down speculations that Duterte would have former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as his runningmate, saying such scenario has not been discussed at meetings.

“First and foremost, we do not want to entertain any other candidate for the presidency under PDP-Laban or anyone that could become the runningmate of President Duterte because it would not be fair to (Go), who we know is in the process of deciding,” he said.