DURING the recent Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) General Assembly held in Davao City on September 20, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reminisced about the early days of the Duterte movement, when only a small circle of loyal supporters stood behind then-Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
Go highlighted one key memory in particular:
“Noong 2014 pa lang kakaunti pa lang ang sumasama, umiikot sa atin kasama si then mayor Rodrigo Duterte. ‘Yung mga mukha, kung maaalala ko noon, ‘yun pa rin ang mga mukha na nandirito pa rin ngayon.”
This statement struck a chord with those in attendance, many of whom had been by Duterte’s side long before he ascended to the presidency. For Go, it was a moment to express gratitude for their unwavering trust and commitment over the years. He acknowledged how this core group of supporters played a crucial role in the success of Duterte’s administration.
With characteristic humility, Go emphasized that while he is not one to make grand promises, he remains steadfast in his dedication to serving the Filipino people.
“Ako, patuloy po akong magseserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya. Hindi naman po ako politiko na mangangako, pero yung magagandang programa po ni dating pangulong Duterte, alam naman natin na nakapagdulot po ito ng pagbabago sa buhay ng mga Pilipino,” he remarked.
He also paid tribute to former President Duterte’s legacy, noting that the programs launched during his term have made lasting impacts on the lives of many Filipinos.
“Patuloy po akong magseserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya. Hindi naman po ako politiko na mangangako, pero yung magagandang programa po ni dating pangulong Duterte, alam naman natin na nakapagdulot po ito ng pagbabago sa buhay ng mga Pilipino,” Go remarked, underlining that the transformation seen during Duterte’s leadership will be felt for generations to come.
The senator also took the opportunity to praise those who have stayed loyal, despite the shifting political landscape. His lighthearted jab at critics who once sought Duterte’s favor but now voice opposition provided a brief moment of levity in the otherwise solemn speech.
“’Yung mga naninira kay mayor, ‘yung mga naninira ngayon, sila mismo noong unang panahon ang sumisipsip, ‘di ba?” he quipped.
“Tama po ‘yung sinabi ni Senator (Ronald) Bato (dela Rosa), bilog naman po ang mundo at nasa atin po ang katotohanan at nasa atin po ‘yung tapat na panunungkulan, ‘yung tatak Duterteng panunungkulan. Iyon naman po ang ipagpapatuloy po natin,” he added.
As Go accepted his nomination within the PDP to run for reelection, he reiterated his commitment to continuing the legacy of a government with both courage and compassion. He reassured the public that his office would always be open and that he would serve to the best of his abilities.
“Muli, maraming-maraming salamat po sa inyong tiwala at suporta. Tinatanggap ko po ang nominasyon… ng PDP,” he said.
“At asahan n’yo, magseserbisyo po ako sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya. Iyan po ang pwede kong ialay sa Pilipino, ang aking kasipagan sa pagtatrabaho. Maraming-maraming salamat po sa inyo,” he concluded, with a heartfelt promise to keep the spirit of Duterte’s leadership alive in his own work.
For Go and the long-time supporters of Duterte, the assembly was not just a political event, but a reunion of old friends bound by a common purpose—a reminder that the same faces who stood by them in before are still here today, ready to move forward into the future together.
