Senator Bong Go on Tuesday announced his withdrawal of candidacy for president in the 2022 elections.
In the past weeks, Go has been implying he was having a hard time regarding his candidacy.
On November 26, Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba said he had the impression that Go would withdraw his candidacy after a Malacañang meeting with governors.
“Umatras siya (He is backing out). The governors, other officials present, were all surprised. Nagtitinginan sila. ‘Paano na kami (They kept looking at each other, seemingly asking, ‘What about us)?’” said Mamba.
Mamba added Go’s decision appeared final.
He also said Bong Go supposedly cried during the meeting. Those present at the meeting were told President Rodrigo Duterte was “trying to convince Go to stay in the race,” said the source.
Go allegedly said, “Hindi ko pa panahon (It’s not yet my time),” after Duterte’s allies expressed their support to him. He then shared his concerns regarding the presidential race.
Bong Go withdraws candidacy for president
Mamba said Duterte told the governors that he would remain neutral and not support the presidential aspirants if Bong decided to withdraw his candidacy.
“Magneutral na lang ako. I’ll just keep quiet. Hindi ako nag-agree sa decision ni Sara but she is my daughter, obligado ako mahalin siya,” said Duterte, according to Mamba.
(I’ll just be neutral. I’ll just keep quiet. I don’t agree with Sara’s decision, but she is my daughter, and I am obligated to love her.)
On November 13, Bato Dela Rosa’s original vice president candidate, Bong Go, withdrew his bid for the vice presidency. He then decided to run for president instead under the Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS) party instead.
He substituted the candidacy of Grepor Belgica, father of Greco Belgica. Go explained that he withdrew his bid to run for vice president to avoid complicating the campaign of Sara Duterte, who launched her own vice president bid under Lakas–CMD. While he is formally running under a different party, he vowed to continue with incumbent President Duterte’s administration plans.
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