Senator Christopher “Bong” Go made an impassioned call for unity among Filipinos in support of the DuterTEN senatorial slate during the miting de avance of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino held on Thursday, May 8 at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila City.
Reaffirming his commitment to continue the reforms made by former President Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Go expressed deep gratitude to the public for their trust and vowed to continue serving the Filipino people with sincerity and resolve.
“Maraming lumalapit, nagpapasalamat. Sabi ko, ‘Wag po kayong magpasalamat sa akin. Ako po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan n’yo po ako ng pagkakataon na makapag-serbisyo po sa inyo lahat’,” said Senator Go, addressing the crowd in a mixture of Filipino, Visayan, and greetings to the Muslim community.
“Maraming, maraming salamat po. Hinding hindi ko sasayangin ‘yung tiwalang binigyan n’yo sa akin. Hindi po ako politiko na mangangako sa inyo.”
He laid down the principle behind his public service: “Gagawin ko lang po ang aking trabaho para sa Pilipino dahil bisyo ko po ang magserbisyo sa ating mga kababayan.”
From this foundation of personal service, Senator Go transitioned to a firm endorsement of the DuterTEN ticket, urging voters to rally behind candidates who would carry on the Duterte legacy.
“Please lang po, kung mahal n’yo si Tatay Digong, kung mahal n’yo ang Pilipinas, pakiusap ko po sa inyo, tulungan po natin ang DuterTEN, mga kababayan ko.”
One by one, he introduced each candidate, drawing connections to their track records, advocacies, and ties to the Duterte administration. Leading the endorsements was Atty. Jimmy Bondoc: “Jimmy Bondoc, isa sa naghikayat kay (dating) Pangulong Duterte na tumakbo siya bilang Pangulo… Sana maging kasama ko sa Senado, Senator Jimmy Bondoc.”
This was followed by a personal testament to Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, a long-time ally: “Twenty-four years na kaming magkaibigan, magkasama… Tested na ito… hindi magiging successful ang administrasyon ni (dating) Pangulong Duterte kung hindi dahil kay Senator Bato dela Rosa.”
He next turned to Atty. Jayvee Hinlo, citing his roots and public service experience: “Representative po ng mga Ilonggo… Tulungan po natin!”
Reaching out to voters in Northern Luzon, Senator Go endorsed Atty. Raul Lambino: “CEZA (Cagayan Special Economic Zone) chairperson, abogado, secretary, political advisor po sa Luzon… ang ating kapatid na Ilokano.”
He also emphasized legislative competence as he introduced Congressman Rodante Marcoleta: “Classmate ko sa Kongreso, sa Commission on Appointments. Magaling, talagang bubusisiin ka. Hindi po malulugi rito ang gobyerno. Magaling, isa sa aking hinahangahan na congressman sa buong Pilipinas. Gusto kong maging kasama. Long overdue na po ito sa Senado.”
Spiritual and humanitarian dimensions of the slate were underscored in his endorsement of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy: “Tumutulong talaga sa mga mahihirap at matagal na matalik na kaibigan ni Tatay Digong.”
On the technical qualifications of his next endorsee, Senator Go cited Atty. Vic Rodriguez: “’Pag na-appoint ka sa pagiging Executive Secretary, ‘yan po ‘yung ‘little president’. Ako galing ako riyan as SAP (Special Assistant to the President) noon. Ibig sabihin, magaling, matalino ka.”
For the cultural and grassroots connection, he introduced actor Phillip Salvador: “Nakaikot na rin po siya sa buong Pilipinas… ang ating Mr. Ipektibo sa Senado.”
Lastly, he stressed the importance of professionals in public office: “Kailangan rin natin ng doktor sa Senado… Doktor Richard Mata!”
From endorsements, Senator Go transitioned to his own legislative record, presenting a clear portfolio as proof of performance.
“I have authored 18 laws. I have principally sponsored 84 laws including laws for the establishment and upgrade of public hospitals. I have co-authored and co-sponsored 189 laws,” he said, before stressing his consistent Senate attendance: “At wala po akong absent sa Senado sa loob po ng anim na taon.”
He reinforced his leadership roles in key committees: “Ilapit po natin ang serbisyo ng gobyerno sa ating mga kababayan, lalung lalo na po sa kalusugan. Bilang chairman ng Senate Committee on Health, isinulong natin ang Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers, at Regional Specialty Centers.
Chairman din po ako ng Senate Committee on Sports, (ang sports ay mabisang paraan para) ilayo natin ang mga kabataan sa iligal na droga.”
Senator Go then celebrated Philippine athletic achievements under his committee’s oversight: “Ngayon po nakamit natin ang first-ever gold sa 2020 Tokyo Olympics at naka-dalawang gold tayo sa 2024 Paris Olympics.”
Looking ahead, he called on the youth to pursue education seriously: “Mag-aral po kayo nang mabuti, edukasyon po unahin ko rin po ‘pagdating ng panahon. Naging priority po ni dating Pangulong Duterte ang edukasyon.”
In his closing remarks, Senator Go appealed for continued prayers for former President Duterte: “Patuloy po natin siyang ipagdasal. Patuloy po natin ipagdasal ang kanyang kalusugan, kaligtasan, at kalayaan. ‘Wag po tayong tumigil hanggang siya ay makauwi rito.”
He ended the rally with a resounding call that echoed across the crowd, uniting them in a shared cause: “Ang kapanalunan po ng DuterTEN ay kapanalunan po ng Pilipino.”#
