CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar – Despite overwhelming support from Samar people, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said his mind is not fixed on running in the 2019 Senatorial race.
Speaking to thousands of village officials here during the Samar Day celebration on Saturday, Go said, “I am waiting if President Duterte really wants me to run. He knows what is good for me and how I can help the people.”
During the occasion, thousands of local offcials chanted, “Go Bong Go!”
When asked why he’s been going around, he said he came upon the invitation of local government officials and supporters of the President.
Go, in his speech, promoted the government’s three-point campaign against illegal drugs, crime and corruption.
He also announced the allocation of PHP500 million for a road project connecting the towns of Paranas and San Jose de Buan, PHP450 million for the development of Catbalogan Airport, and housing project for the city’s fire victims.
No official was available to provide details on the major projects requested by Governor Sharee Ann Tan and Catbalogan City Mayor Stephanie Uy-Tan during Go’s first visit to Samar last May.
“These are not my projects. I just helped follow up funding status from concerned national officials,” he added.
Accompanying Go were actor Philip Salvador and Duterte’s impersonator Elcias Bugsad known as Mr. DU32 who entertained the crowd.
Welcoming the President’s aide were provincial officials led by Governor Tan, town mayors, vice mayors, councilors, village officials, and members of Friends of Bong Go Samar chapter carrying streamers.
Rita Rama, Friends of Bong Go Samar chapter coordinator, said about 92,000 residents in the province have been organized into a group urging the cabinet secretary to join the senate race.
“Organization in the grassroots level has started early this year. We’re not paid by anyone to support Go because we believe that he’s an honest man,” Rama told reporters.
After his speech, Go visited soldiers wounded by recent clashes in Samar provinces admitted inside the Camp General Vicente Lukban in this city. (Sarwell Meniano/PNA)
