It is official. Senator Christopher “Bong” T. Go finally withdrew from the 2022 presidential race.
Last Tuesday, Go personally went to the main office of the Commission on Election (Comelec) to personally withdraw his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) to run for president under the Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS).
This comes two weeks after he publicly announced he will drop his presidential bid to allow President Rodrigo R. Duterte to support his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, who is running for vice president under the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD).
During an ambush interview with reporters, Go said he was already bent on withdrawing his COC as early as Nov. 30, 2021, but he opted to defer it and wait for the “right timing” so he could do it without much fanfare.
He said he intentionally did not inform his supporters and staff so he could do his withdrawal secretly.
“I went here alone. I just rode a taxi [going here]. I did not inform even my security and driver about it,” Go said.
He apologized to those who are backing his presidential bid, and the move aims to help not only the President, but also a way to respect the wishes of his family, which is opposed to his candidacy.
Despite his withdrawal, Go said he hopes his supporters will continue to help the current administration by helping elect officials, who will be able to continue its initiatives.
As of press time, Malacañang said Duterte has yet to announce who among the remaining presidential candidates he will support in the 2022 polls.
Image courtesy of File photo
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