Bong Go denies knowing who put up Silay tarp, tells supporters to follow local ordinances

Former special assistant to the President Bong Go on Friday said he is unaware of who put up a tarpaulin of himself at a public plaza in Silay, Negros Occidental, which was later taken down for violating a city ordinance.

In a statement, the senatorial candidate thanked his supporters for showing initiative but urged them to follow local ordinances.

"Hindi ko po alam sino talaga ang nagkabit. Sa mga supporters ko at ni PRRD (President Rodrigo Duterte), I am truly grateful for your initiative and support," Go said.

"Ang pakiusap ko lang, sundin natin ang mga ordinansa ng ating local leaders. Kami ni PRRD, mula noon hanggang ngayon, sinisigurado namin na kami at mga kasamahan namin ay palaging sumusunod sa batas," he added.

In taking down the tarpaulin on Thursday, Silay City Mayor Mark Golez explained they implemented City Ordinance No. 02, Series of 1997, which regulates the advertisements by means of signboards, billboards, posters, paintings on walls, slides in movies, handbills, leaflets, streamers, electric or neon lights, display stand, and others of the same nature.

Instead of putting up such materials in public places just to express their support, Go urged his supporters to do so only in their private properties.

"As a word of advice to our supporters, ilagay na lang nila sa mga bahay o private properties bilang parte ito ng karapatan nilang ipahayag ang sarili nila," Go said.

"Mas mabuti pa, huwag ninyo ako unahin... ipangtulong nalang ninyo sa kapwa o ipambili nalang ng plywood para sa mga nasunugan yung gagastusin ninyo para diyan," he added.

Mayor Golez had earlier clarified in a statement that he did not intend to offend anyone in taking down the tarpaulin.

"I would also like to thank Mayor Mark Golez of Silay City for being fair in implementing the law and for being supportive to me and the President," he said.

According to Go, the the local chief executive, after taking down the tarpaulin, transferred it and hung it inside his private property to still show his support.

"Nabalitaan ko na siya rin mismo ang nagpakabit ng tarp sa private property niya to express his support. Maraming salamat po," he said. — Margaret CLaire Layug/MDM, GMA News