Bong Go serving as Duterte's ‘private adviser’ at ASEAN summit

Senator-elect Christopher "Bong" Go on Sunday claimed he flew to Bangkok, Thailand for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit to serve as President Rodrigo Duterte's private adviser.

"Hindi ako nakakapasok sa lahat ng engagements tulad sa plenary at sa retreat. Mayroong mga functions na selected officials lang ang pwede makasama sa Pangulo," Go said in a statement.

Duterte flew to Thailand on Friday to attend this year's ASEAN Summit where leaders are expected to discuss regional issues such as the South China Sea dispute.

"I join events where it is appropriate in order to support and assist the President," added Go.

In October 2018, Go resigned as Duterte's top aide to run for the Senate in the 2019 midterm elections.

Go was proclaimed as one of the incoming Senators for the 18th Congress after he received the third most number of votes, 20,657,702, during the midterm polls. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/DVM, GMA News