By Lance Arevada

PHOTO: ABS-CBN News

In a sudden move, long-time Duterte aide Senator Bong Go has filed his candidacy for Vice President in the 2022 Elections on Saturday under PDP-Laban-Cusi Wing, replacing President Rodrigo’s Duterte initially planned vice-presidential bid.

“Given that President Duterte decided to withdraw his acceptance of nomination, I am here to take on the challenge as the PDP’s vice presidential candidate,” Go announced.

The senator was accompanied by Duterte during the second day of the filing of certificate of candidacy (COCs) where he vowed to continue the programs and initiatives of the current administration.

“Napagdesisyonan ko na tumakbo bilang bise presidente sa darating na halalan para maipagpatuloy ang magagandang program at tunay na pagbabagong nasimulan ni President Duterte at sisikapin nating dagdagan ito,” he said.

The senator also said that he will not become a spare tire only and will be a “working vice president” if elected.

“Ang ganda na sana ng takbo ng ating ekonomiya at ng administrasyong Duterte kung hindi tayo tinamaan ng krisis. Sisikapin nating maibalik sa normal ang ating pamumuhay at muling maiahon sa hirap ang ating mga kababayan,” he added.

The PDP-Laban-Cusi Wing has initially endorsed Go as their candidate for President, but the senator has consistently refused the nomination.

However, what remains uncertain is the ruling party’s presidential nominee, as Go was the only nominee who already filed his COC.

In the latest Pulse Asia vice presidential survey, Go has placed sixth among the possible candidates running in the May 2022 Elections with Senate President Vicente Sotto III and President Duterte leading the poll.


Report sources: Rappler via COMELEC, Rappler