Senator Christopher “Bong” Go (File photo)

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go dispelled rumors anew that he is clearing the way for another candidate to run in the 2022 elections, stressing that he is 100 percent committed to his decision to seek the vice presidency.

In a media interview right after the launch of the country’s 145th Malasakit Center at the Philippine National Police General Hospital in Quezon City on Oct. 25, Go was asked if a substitution for another candidate would be possible.

While the matter is for the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) to determine, Go said he already made the decision to run as vice president after President Rodrigo Duterte opted not to pursue his initial plan to seek the second highest position in the next year’s elections.

“At desisyon po ‘yon ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte at iginagalang ko po ‘yon (And that was the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte and I respect that) that is why I accepted the challenge,” Go said.

“So, depende na po ‘yon sa partido. Ako naman po ay 100 percent na po akong tatakbo… isa po akong public servant at ako po’y [nag-file na ng candidacy] (So, it’s up to the party. On my part, I am 100 percent sure to run. I am a public servant and I already filed my candidacy),” he added.

Go said someone must step forward for the party and the whole administration to continue its programs and pursue further the positive change that Duterte has started.

Asked about Mayor Sara Duterte’s recent separate meetings with presidential aspirants Bongbong Marcos and Senator Ronald dela Rosa, Go said it is the prerogative of the presidential daughter and her party, Hugpong ng Pagbabago, to meet with key leaders and possibly support certain candidates in the elections.

“That’s part of our democratic process at mayro’n po siyang partido. Kami rin po mayro’n din kaming partido, ‘yung PDP-Laban, at nirerespeto namin ang isa’t isa (and she has political party. We have also our own party, and we respect each other),” Go said.

He said any help that Sara and Hugpong ng Pagbabago would extend to a candidate is big factor in the coming elections.

Go said had Sara decided to run for president, he would have given her his complete support. He did emphasize, though, that he respects her decision to instead run for the third term as Davao City mayor.

“Ginagalang ko po ang desisyon at pahayag ni Mayor Inday Sara Duterte (I respect the decision and statement of Mayor Inday Sara Duterte),” he added.