Duterte says he respects Go's decision to withdraw from 2022 presidential race

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he respects the decision of his longtime aide, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go to withdraw from the 2022 presidential race.

"Senator Bong Go, ano ba talaga, Bong? Tatakbo ka o hindi [Are you really running or not]?" Duterte said during a speech before the regional unit of anti-inusrgency task force in Zamboanga city.

"Well, I would like to off-the-cuff statement. You have made a lot of people sad than happy. We respect your decision lalo na kung pamilya. Wala na tayong magawa diyan [If that is what your family wishes, we cannot do anything about it]," he added.

Go initially filed candidacy for vice president under the PDP-Laban faction led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, but withdrew and instead filed candidacy for president under Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS).

Go sought to run for president under PDDS via substitution after President Rodrigo Duterte's daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, filed candidacy for vice president under Lakas-CMD.

Go did not provide details when he did take oath as PDDS member. He substituted former PDDS standard bearer, Grepor Belgica.

Go earlier said he won't be pursuing a 2022 presidential bid anymore because his mind and heart are not into it, and that his family is also against it. 

Go, however, has yet to personally appear before the Commission on Elections to withdraw his candidacy for president.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez earlier said a personal appearance is needed to withdraw the certificate of candidacy. --KBK, GMA News