By Deighton Acuin and Archie Villaflores

PHOTO: GMA News/Sen. Bong Go

Former long-time aide and now Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has dreams of becoming the next President, President Rodrigo Duterte said Thursday.

During the ceremonies held in Negros Oriental, Duterte made the remark after Go asked him to make the announcement.

“Itong si Senator Bong Go, pababa kami ng eroplano, sabi niya, ‘sir may hihingin sana ako sayo na pabor. Sabi niya ‘medyo it leaves a bad taste in the mouth kasi malayo pa, pero ikaw na lang ang magsabi sa kanila,” Duterte said.

“Ang totoo talaga, isang bagay lang, sabihin daw sa inyo na gusto niya maging presidente,” he added.

‘Count me out, just a joke’

However, Go downplayed Duterte’s latest pronouncements, saying it was just a casual joke.

He added he would probably change his mind if Duterte decides to run as Vice President next year.

“I am very grateful for the trust given to me by the President. Salamat po sa tiwala pero alam naman po ng Pangulo na hindi talaga ako interesado. Biro lang ng Pangulo iyon,” Go said in a message sent to media publication Philippine Daily Inquirer.

“Magbabago lang siguro ang isip ko kung tatakbong Vice President si Pangulong Duterte,” Go added.

Last week, Duterte repeatedly praising the lawmaker, even calling him “president.”

In February, Go said he has no presidential ambition. However, it was the same case in 2018 when Duterte also teased him about having aspirations to be a senator, which Go vehemently denied.


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