President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech after leading the ceremonial distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CLOA) to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) of Cotabato Province, at the Provincial Gymnasium Capitol Compound in Kidapawan City, Cotabato on December 29, 2018. ALBERT ALCAIN/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday reiterated his endorsement of the senatorial bid of former Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go during the birthday celebration of former Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Francis Tolentino in Tagaytay.

Duterte urged people to select senatorial candidates with “extraordinary credentials” and those who have proven themselves in public service such as Tolentino, former Philippine National Police Chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, and his long-time aide Bong Go

“And another one, itong si Bong Go,” said Duterte as he pointed out that like Tolentino, Go has roots in Batangas. He noted that Go’s father is one of the early Chinese settlers in Davao but his mother belongs to the Tesoro clan of Batangas.

“We need men like them. Mahirap hanapin yung dedication, yung talagang in-love sa trabaho,” Duterte said.

Go started working for Duterte after being recommended by his grandfather, August Tesoro, to run an errand for the then Davao City Mayor following the death of Duterte’s former aide, Jimboy Halili, who passed away while watching a basketball game.

“Kaya sabi niya (Go) ako na lang muna mayor, I will pinch hit for him,” Duterte said.

For years, Go attended to Duterte’s personal and official matters. Eventually, he became a trusted confidant and protégé of the former mayor. He served Duterte for 20 years up until the former Davao Mayor was catapulted to the presidency.

According to the Chief Executive, Go has not only proven himself through honest and dedicated service but has prepared himself for the role of a lawmaker with good education, noting the former SAP is a graduate of De La Salle University and has extensive experience in management and government service.

“Sayang ang boto nyo na ibigay niyo lang sa iba,” Duterte said.

President Duterte also stressed in his parting words during his speech Bong Go’s character of being “extraordinarily honest” as one of the reasons why the former SAP has earned his trust and confidence throughout the years.

In past speeches, Duterte also drummed up support for the candidacy of his most trusted aide.

“Please do not forget him. He’s good,” the President said

For his part, Go said he is running to support the programs and initiatives of President Rodrigo Duterte, including the war against illegal drugs, crime and corruption.

“Wala kaming ibang interes ni Pangulong Duterte, ang hangarin lang namin ay tumulong para sa kabutihan ng bawat Pilipino,” Go reiterated.

Also top in his legislative agenda is to further improve the delivery of health services, particularly for the poor. Included in his plans is the institutionalization of the Malasakit Center by establishing one in every province to cater to the medical needs of all Filipinos.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop initiative wherein PCSO, DSWD, PhilHealth, DOH and other relevant government offices are housed in one location to ease the process for patients in need of medical and financial assistance. There are currently 18 Malasakit Centers operating throughout the Philippines.

Aside from programs on healthcare, Go’s legislative agenda also covers issues regarding education, agriculture, housing, long-term sports development, anti-corruption drive, anti-illegal drugs drive, OFW welfare, empowering barangays, fire safety and prevention, localized peace talks, as well as improved support for senior citizens.