Senator Christopher “Bong” Go did not hold back when he addressed supporters at the “Bring PRRD home” prayer rally at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on Saturday.

The longtime aide of former President Rodrigo Duterte responded to accusations that he had abandoned his political mentor, dismissing them as attempts to sow division in their ranks.

“My fellow countrymen, you know right now many are trying to destroy us,” Go said in Filipino, his voice cracking. “Earlier, they were saying that we were betraying each other, and things like that. You know, don’t believe those people. That’s what they want — they want to pull us down. They want to destroy us.”

Calling for unity rather than succumbing to the efforts to divide the supporters, Go urged, “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, reiterated his unwavering loyalty to the former president, stressing that their bond was not merely political but deeply personal. He recalled how Duterte became a father figure to him over the past two decades, shaping his life and principles.

“As for me, open up my body, I am Duterte (through and through). I barely had time for my own child. I had no time for my father. Tatay Digong became my father. From 1998 until 2022 — 24 years. We were together every day. And I told him, ‘Tatay Digong, until the day you die, I will never leave you. Especially with your medical needs,’” the senator said.

Go made significant strides in the latest Pulse Asia senatorial survey conducted from 20-26 February.

The results showed him surging to the top with 58.1-percent voter preference, a notable increase from the January survey where he ranked 2nd to 3rd with 50.4-percent support.

Beyond the political noise, Go expressed deep concern for Duterte’s well-being, revealing that he had always been the one ensuring the former president received his medication. With Duterte now in detention, he asked who would look after his medical needs.

“Now, who will give him his medicine?” he said.

The senator directed sharp words at those responsible for Duterte’s arrest, accusing them of robbing numerous Filipinos of a father figure.

“To those who had him imprisoned, you should feel guilty. Can you still sleep at night? It’s as if you’ve taken away a father from us,” he said.

Calling on the nation to pray for Duterte, Go emphasized that his primary concern was not just Duterte’s legal battle but his health, which has become increasingly fragile.