Bong Go: No conflict of interest in close relationship with Duterte

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Thursday said his relationship with President Rodrigo Duterte will not be a "conflict of interest" and won't stand in the way in the performance of his duties as a lawmaker.

Go made the remark three days after the 4th State on the Nation Address (SONA) of the chief executive where the neophyte senator was mentioned –though randomly –in Duterte's supposed report to the nation, fanning some concerns among observers.

The former Special Assistant to the President, however, said that even though he would prioritize his new job as a senator, he is determined to fulfill his promise to assist Duterte when needed.

"Priority ko ang pagiging senador. But, in my own personal capacity, hindi ko po iiwanan si Pangulong Duterte. Pangako ko 'yan sa kanya. Tutulungan ko po si Pangulong Duterte," Go said in an interview on GMA's Unang Balita.

Go was responding to the criticism over his close ties with the President, specifically to claims possible "conflict of interest" in the performance of his duties as senator.

"Wala po, dahil uunahin ko po ang trabaho ko bilang senador," he said. —Margaret Claire Layug/LBG, GMA News