Supporters of Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher “Bong” T. Go on Wednesday, March 14, gathered in Manila to launch the “Ready, Set, Go Movement” to convince him to run for a Senate seat in the upcoming 2019 elections.

Communications Secretary Martin M. Andanar, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano, and other Cabinet officials including Presidential Spokesperson Herminio Harry L. Roque, Jr., Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) Secretary Sivestre Bello II, and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon spearheaded the program held in a restaurant in Intramuros, Manila.

In his speech, Mr. Cayetano said: “Why do we want Bong to run? Kasi meron paring nakakalusot sa Senado na may hangover sa mga nakaunang panahon na hindi makapag move on na bago na ang pangulo, ang panahon na (Because there are still those in the Senate who cannot accept the fact that we have a new president and it’s time…) to build a nation and not to keep just destroying the reputation of our country and our people. That’s why we want to respect our institution, support our senators, but to put in people na magiging (to be) positive, productive, at optimistic sa ating bansa (in our country).”

In an interview with reporters, Mr. Andanar clarified that the event is not yet an official launching of Mr. Go’s candidacy.

“I think for me hindi sya maaga (it’s an early announcement) because we are still convincing him, not launch for candidacy but actually convincing SAP Go to run for Senate. Ito naman ay initiative ng mga kaibigan, barkada at marami na ring suporters na sumasali (This is an initiative of friends and supporters), and we are not discouraging them na sumali (to join),” he said.

According Mr. Andanar, President Rodrigo R. Duterte will also support Mr. Go’s Senatorial candidacy.

“I quote President Duterte verbatimly: ‘I will support Bong Go to the hilt’,” the Secretary said.

He added that aside from Mr. Go, the President will also support the senate bid of Presidential Spokesperson Mr. Roque and former Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman and senatorial candidate Francis N. Tolentino.

In a statement, Mr. Roque said, “I dont have 500 million. I thank (the President) for the support but awan ti kwarta (I have no money)!” — Arjay L. Balinbin

 

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