PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go strongly advised against any further division in the ruling party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan, as he renewed his call to party members to unite behind President Rodrigo Duterte in a phone interview given before his appearance at the PDP-Laban national assembly at the Royce Hotel in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga on Saturday, July 17.
“Inaasahan ko na darating ang panahon na magkakasundo ang partido at patuloy (ang PDP-Laban) na maging ruling party. In fact, sa Senado (at Lower House) kami ang majority party. Sayang naman kung magkahati-hati kami … Ang daming governors, mayors at councilors. Mahigit 100,000 na ang mga miyembro,” began Go.
“Umpisa po, iilan lang ang miyembro. Nang nanalo si Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, marami ang sumama. Naniniwala ako na kaya sila nandiyan ay dahil naniniwala sila sa liderato ng Pangulo. Sana maayos ang gusot … Nananawagan rin ako kay Senator Koko Pimentel at Senator Manny Pacquiao na sana maayos itong gusot,” he appealed.
During the national assembly, President Duterte similarly stressed the need for a “united front” among members in order to achieve the party’s overarching goal of “improving the welfare of the Filipino people”. He urged them to rally behind the administration in a common effort to combat corruption, poverty and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Your presence here sends a clear and resounding message to everyone that our party is as strong as ever and that we are united in further consolidating our ranks until the end of my term and beyond,” said the President.
“Despite all the challenges we are facing, your unwavering support for this administration’s priorities, especially our campaigns against illegal drugs, terrorism, corruption and poverty, is truly reassuring. I am grateful for PDP-Laban’s continuous trust and confidence in my leadership. I also deeply appreciate your commitment to support whatever my decision may be for the 2022 national elections,” Duterte continued.
An election of new officers was also held at the same event, during which Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi was elected the new party president, replacing Senator Pacquiao.
Go, who has served as national auditor of PDP-Laban since 2016, has been elected again to the same position.
In his interview, Go continued to express hope for an amicable resolution of issues among party members. He maintained that he remains a friend to both groups and offered his willingness to serve as a mediator to resolve any misunderstanding.
“Bilang malapit sa Pangulo at sa ilang miyembro ng partido, more than willing po ako na magpagitna. Iyan naman ang trabaho ko noon pa. Nung ‘di nagkaintindihan si Secretary Francisco Duque at Mayor Jerry Treñas, ako ang nakiusap sa kanila na pwede ba i-extend ang kanilang pasensya,” explained Go.
Go added that he would prefer to see the party resolve its problems peacefully without resorting to further political bickering. He said that the unity of the country’s leaders, especially those belonging in the ruling party, is necessary to overcome the national health crisis.
”Ayaw ko munang tawaging faction sa ngayon. Gusto ko munang tawaging iisang PDP-Laban. Sana hindi na umabot sa puntong kailangan nang i-pasa pa sa Commission on Elections o sa judiciary. Huwag naman. Masyado na tayong madidistorbo sa pulitika. Focus muna tayo sa laban kontra pandemya, kawawa ang Pilipino diyan,” he said.
When asked if he is considering a possible bid for higher office in the 2022 elections, Go once more denied having any interest, saying that he remains focused on serving the Filipino people by supporting the pandemic response and moving important health related legislation forward in the Senate as Health Committee Chair.
