Go: I can work with anyone

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go has vowed to work with anyone if elected vice president in the 2022 polls.

He, however, stressed that his priority is to pursue the continuity of programs of the current administration and expand them further to sustain the positive change President Duterte has started.

“I can work with anyone. Since back then and until now, public service does not choose people. I will respect whoever will be elected as president,” Go said in Filipino on Wednesday.

He pledged to be a “working vice president” if elected, stressing that he would not merely be a “spare tire,” but rather a public servant ordinary Filipinos can rely on.

Filing his certificate of candidacy in Pasay City on Oct. 2, accompanied by President Duterte, Go said his decision to run was motivated by his desire to carry on the Duterte administration’s legacy.

“I am one with officials and candidates of the PDP-Laban, I am one with my party in our desire to continue the good prorgams President Duterte has started,” he said.

He also thanked the Filipino people for their continued support for him and the Duterte administration as he assured them that he would keep pushing for programs that would greatly benefit them.

He said that despite his vice presidential bid, he remains focused on his duties as a senator and public servant, especially in assisting the government and the public in the fight against COVID-19.

Governors back Go

A total of 57 governors have expressed support for Go’s vice presidential bid.

This came after 16 additional governors, from the original list of 41, have signed the statement of support for the senator, Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone said.

He added that President Duterte’s long-time aide was able to bring Malacañang closer to the provinces and the people, especially in terms of social services and infrastructure.

“It was the voluntary initiative of the governors because we believe in his leadership that touches the ordinary people,” Evardone said in a text message.

The governors vowed to support and campaign for Go in next year’s polls.

“With our support, if he is elected vice president, Bong Go promises to continue President Duterte’s programs, particularly his campaign against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption. These are some of the problems we continue to face as local officials, despite the administration’s gains in stamping out such nefarious activities,” the governors said in a statement.

They added that Go has gained “wide and valuable insights” on problems as he is a close aide of Duterte who has supposedly adequately prepared him for an elective public office.

They also noted that the senator has institutionalized the Malasakit Center, making health care accessible for Filipinos by establishing a one-stop shop for medical and financial assistance previously available through the usual bureaucratic runaround.

The signees to the manifesto include Dakila Cua, Quirino governor and president of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, and Presbitero Velasco Jr., Marinduque governor and president of the League of Provinces.