Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday, March 9, shared some of his realizations about politics in the country as he revealed that President Rodrigo Duterte has started packing his belongings in preparation for his departure from the Malacañang Palace.

In an ambush interview after he visited fire victims in Baseco Port Area, Manila City, Go shared the differences he witnessed between the time Duterte was set to move to Malacañang at the start of his term, and now as he prepares to leave.

“Alam niyo ang pinakamahirap sa lahat ‘yung pagliligpit na, ‘yung pauwi ka na. Noong unang panahon ang dami mong kasama pagpasok, ang daming gustong tumulong, nagpe-presinta,” noted Go.

“Pagpalabas na, mapapansin mo na unti-unti na pong nawawala rin ang gustong tumulong. Sine-secure na po nila ang kanilang sarili at naiintindihan naman namin. Well that is politics,” he added.

The senator said that the President himself has accepted this reality of life and politics, saying, “Unti-unti na rin po niyang natatanggap dahil ganoon naman po talaga ang buhay, bilog. Minsan dito ka, at naranasan na po niya ang ganoong buhay.”

“Naging Mayor, bumaba as Vice Mayor, umangat as Mayor at naging Pangulo. Alam na po niya ‘yung reality of life,” he continued.

A Davao City native himself, Go also remarked that the President would have to bring back everything they brought into the Palace as the latter prepares for life beyond politics.

“Hindi naman kami mga taga-Maynila na nandidito lang po ang aming mga tirahan. So kailangan ring magligpit dalhin sa … kung anong dinala mo ng papunta rito, ‘yun din ‘yung bubuhatin mo pauwi,” said Go.

“Mas mabuti na ‘yung nasanay ka na sa buhay ng retirement, ‘yun po ang inaantabayanan ng ating Pangulo,” he added.

Nevertheless, Go maintained that Duterte will continue to execute his duties as President, ensuring that no time is lost in serving the Filipino people until the end of his term.

“He will definitely continue to work until the last day of his term,” emphasized the senator in earlier interviews.

Go went on to say that Duterte is ensuring a seamless transition of power for the next administration.

“Gusto rin niyang siguraduhing maayos ang transition patungo sa susunod na administrasyon ng kung sino man ang pipiliin ng taumbayan sa halalan,” remarked Go.