Duterte calls on Mindanaoans to support Go

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte on Saturday rallied Mindanaoans to support the Senate bid of his former special assistant Christopher “Bong” Go and the entire senatorial ticket of the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) during a rally at the Capitol grounds in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri and his father, Bukidnon Gov. Jose Maria Zubiri Jr., endorsed Go at the event.

Addressing the crowd, Duterte said Manila-based opposition candidates tend to look down on Go as just his former aide, not knowing he has the experience, educational background and skills to become a good senator.

“Ito kasing (taga Manila), akala yung aide (Bong Go), ordinaryong empleyado lang,” Duterte said, noting that the family of Go owned one of the biggest printing presses in Davao City. 

Duterte also said Go, a graduate of De La Salle University, earned his full trust and confidence because of the integrity and honesty he has shown during 21 years of being his special assistant.

He earlier noted that not a single centavo went missing in the funds he had entrusted to Go.