Bong Go vows loyalty to Duterte amid critics

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go strongly responded to accusations of abandoning his political mentor, former president Rodrigo Duterte, during the "Bring PRRD Home" prayer gathering at Liwasang Bonifacio on 15 March. In an emotional speech, Go addressed his supporters, condemning efforts to sow division within their ranks.

“Mga kababayan ko, alam n’yo, ngayon, ang daming naninira sa amin,” Senator Go said, his voice cracking. “Kanina, sinasabi na kami ay naglaglagan, mga ganun. Alam n’yo, ‘wag kayong maniwala sa mga ‘yan. ‘Yan ang tinatawag na gusto nila kami hilain pababa. Gusto nila kaming sirain.”

("My fellow countrymen, you know, right now, there are so many people attacking us." "Earlier, they were saying that we’re turning against each other, and things like that. You know, don’t believe those people. That’s what they want — to bring us down. They want to destroy us.")

Go called for unity, urging his supporters not to be swayed by divisive tactics: “Ito ‘yung panahon magkaisa ang Pilipino. Magkaisa tayo para kay Tatay Digong.”

("This is the time for Filipinos to unite. Let’s unite for Tatay Digong.")

The senator, who has been by Duterte’s side since 1998, reaffirmed his loyalty to the former president, emphasizing their deep personal bond. He recalled how Duterte had become a father figure to him over the years, shaping his life and values.

“Ako naman po, buklatin ‘yung katawan ko, Duterte po (ako). Halos wala po akong panahon sa anak ko. Wala akong panahon sa tatay ko. Tatay Digong na po naging tatay ko. From 1998 hanggang 2022. Dalawampu’t apat na taon ‘yan. Araw-araw kami magkasama. At sinabi ko sa kanya, Tatay Digong, hanggang kamatayan mo, hindi kita pababayaan. Lalo na sa medical mo,” Senator Go declared.

("As for me, if you open up my body, you’ll see Duterte (in me). I hardly had time for my own child. I had no time for my father. Tatay Digong became my father. From 1998 to 2022. That’s twenty-four years. We were together every day. And I told him, Tatay Digong, until the day you die, I will never abandon you. Especially when it comes to your medical needs.")

In the most recent Pulse Asia senatorial survey conducted from February 20 to 26, Senator Go saw a significant rise in voter support, securing 58.1 percent, up from 50.4 percent in January.

Amid political turmoil, Go expressed his concern for Duterte’s health, particularly in light of his current detention. He revealed that he had always been the one ensuring Duterte received his medication, now questioning who would care for his former mentor's medical needs.

“Ngayon, sino na po mag-aabot ng medisina n’ya?” Go asked.

("Now, who will give him his medicine?")

The senator also directed harsh criticism at those responsible for Duterte’s arrest, accusing them of taking away a father figure from many Filipinos.

“Sa mga nagpakulong sa kanya, ma-konsensya kayo. Nakakatulog pa ba kayo? Para n’yo kaming kinuhanan ng ama,” he lamented.

("To those who imprisoned him, have a conscience. Can you still sleep at night? You have taken a father figure away from us.")

Go called on the nation to pray for Duterte’s health and freedom, stressing that his primary concern was the former president’s well-being.

“Pagdasal natin si Tatay Digong sa kanyang mabilis na kalayaan. Pagdasal natin ang kanyang kalusugan. Sa totoo lang po, ‘yun po ang aking kinakatakot, ang kanyang kalusugan,” he said, visibly distressed.

("Let’s pray for Tatay Digong’s swift freedom. Let’s pray for his health. To be honest, that’s what I’m most afraid of, his health.")

The gathering, which drew thousands of Duterte’s supporters, featured religious leaders from various faiths leading prayers for the former president’s safe return. The program included music, testimonials, and video presentations highlighting the timeline of Duterte’s arrest, emphasizing unity among his allies.

As chants of “Bring PRRD Home” echoed through Liwasang Bonifacio, Senator Go assured the crowd that he would continue to fight for Duterte’s release and stand by him until the end.