PHMetro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 30) — Senator Christopher "Bong" Go on Tuesday announced that he is withdrawing from the 2022 presidential race, denying he was pressured to drop his bid.
Go said his family has been against his decision to run for the highest office. He added he accepted the challenge to run because he felt the need to follow the order of his party PDP-Laban, chaired by President Rodrigo Duterte.
"Napakahirap kung pasan-pasan mo habang nangangampanya ka ay nagre-resist ang pamilya mo, ang puso mo, ang isipan mo, paano ka makakapagkampanya nang mabuti? Kaya ang sabi ko marahil po ay hindi ko pa po panahon," he said in an interview.
He said he talked to Duterte the other night, who understood that he has been in agony since substituting for the presidential candidacy of Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa. He said he decided to withdraw early on since he didn't want to burden Duterte.
Go said the President, whom he has closely served for decades, respected his decision.
"Ako ang pinatakbo niya. Mangangampanya siya, magsasalita siya dito sa entablado. Sa dumi ng politika, along the way mas mahihirapan si Pangulong Duterte. Ayaw ko pong mahirapan siya mangampanya para sa akin," he added.
With Go dropping out of the race, Duterte's endorsement is now available for all candidates.
Go said he has yet to talk to Duterte about the candidate they are supporting, even keeping mum if they will back the bid of Sara Duterte.
"Kami ni Pangulong Duterte ay susuporta sa kandidatong makakapagpatuloy ng magagandang programa ni Pangulong Duterte," he said.
The lawmaker added, "Wala akong ambisyon kaya willing ako mag-sacrifice for the sake of unity among our supporters."
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Go said his family has been against his decision to run for the highest office. He added he accepted the challenge to run because he felt the need to follow the order of his party PDP-Laban, chaired by President Rodrigo Duterte.
"Napakahirap kung pasan-pasan mo habang nangangampanya ka ay nagre-resist ang pamilya mo, ang puso mo, ang isipan mo, paano ka makakapagkampanya nang mabuti? Kaya ang sabi ko marahil po ay hindi ko pa po panahon," he said in an interview.
He said he talked to Duterte the other night, who understood that he has been in agony since substituting for the presidential candidacy of Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa. He said he decided to withdraw early on since he didn't want to burden Duterte.
Go said the President, whom he has closely served for decades, respected his decision.
"Ako ang pinatakbo niya. Mangangampanya siya, magsasalita siya dito sa entablado. Sa dumi ng politika, along the way mas mahihirapan si Pangulong Duterte. Ayaw ko pong mahirapan siya mangampanya para sa akin," he added.
With Go dropping out of the race, Duterte's endorsement is now available for all candidates.
Go said he has yet to talk to Duterte about the candidate they are supporting, even keeping mum if they will back the bid of Sara Duterte.
"Kami ni Pangulong Duterte ay susuporta sa kandidatong makakapagpatuloy ng magagandang programa ni Pangulong Duterte," he said.
The lawmaker added, "Wala akong ambisyon kaya willing ako mag-sacrifice for the sake of unity among our supporters."
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