Bong Go declines PDP-Laban's endorsement for him to run for president in Eleksyon 2022

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has formally declined PDP-Laban's endorsement for him to run for president in the 2022 national elections.

In a letter addressed to Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, president of a faction of PDP-Laban, Go said while he is  deeply honored by the trust and confidence, he has to decline the endorsement as  he insisted that he is not interested in the position.

"I am deeply honored by the trust and confidence of the members of the NEC (National Executive Commission) in my capability to run for the presidency this coming 2022 elections. For a simple man who hails from a city in the South, the endorsement alone by esteemed members and officers of the NEC is a great personal honor for me," Go said.

"As much as I wish to respond to the clamor of many of our partymates, I most respectfully decline the said endorsement. As I have said many times before, I am not interested in the presidency," he added.

Go, who chairs the Senate health committee, said he prefers to devote his time and attention in helping the Filipinos recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This includes not just crafting laws but also performing representation and constituency services, particularly by helping those in need, as I have been doing ever since," he said, adding he will leave his political future in God's hands.

The Cusi faction of PDP-Laban has likewise endorsed President Rodrigo Duterte to be their vice presidential bet in the 2022 elections.

Duterte has accepted the endorsement, but according to Malacañang, this was under the perception that his daughter, Davao City Sara Duterte, will not run for president next year.

Malacañang also said Duterte will honor his promise to ditch his plan to seek the vice presidency in 2022 if ever House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez will run for the same post.

Romualdez, however, has yet to express intention to run for vice president in 2022.

Continuity

Go, in his statement, expressed gratitude to Filipinos for their trust and support following several independent surveys showing high trust and performance ratings for him and the entire Duterte administration.

He said he is hoping that the country's next leader can continue the efforts that the Duterte administration has started.

“Kung papaano maipagpapatuloy ang mga magagandang pagbabago na nasimulan ni Pangulong Duterte, lalo na ang kampanya laban sa kriminalidad, korapsyon at iligal na droga," Go said.

(I hope it's someone who can continue the reforms of President Duterte, especially in the fight against criminality, corruption and illegal drugs.)

"At kung papaano rin maipagpatuloy ang pagkakaroon ng isang gobyerno na may malasakit sa kanyang mamamayan para maiahon ang ating bansa mula sa krisis na ito,” he added.

(A government that knows how to serve the public with compassion in order to recover from this crisis should also continue.)  —KBK, GMA News