Senator Christopher “Bong” Go may have topped the Senate race in the 12 May elections, but this one, he said, was far more grueling than his previous run. For him, the reason was clear: this time, he was campaigning without his longtime boss and mentor, former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“It was really tough,” Go told ANC in an interview. “I had to rely completely on my own efforts. It was not like in 2019 when it was a midterm election and President Duterte was still around.”

“This time, I had to hustle. I literally went to every corner of the Philippines — just to bring government services, especially medical assistance, closer to the people, especially the poor,” he said.

“This was the most difficult campaign I’ve ever had. It was all on me.”

Duterte, who is in detention in The Hague, Netherlands facing a crimes against humanity charge before the International Criminal Court (ICC), is still expected to win the mayoralty race in Davao City. Despite his absence, Duterte’s influence was still strongly felt in the polls.

Go is leading the senatorial race with over 26.4 million votes, based on the partial and unofficial tally of the Commission on Elections. He is followed by former senator Bam Aquino, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, ACT-CIS Representative Erwin Tulfo, and former senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.

‘Do what’s right — don’t go wrong’

Go said he continues to heed the lessons he learned from Duterte, whom he served for decades as an aide.

“He told me, ‘I won’t interfere. Just do what’s right — you won’t go wrong,’” Go recalled.

“Put the interest of the Filipino people first, and everything else will follow. God is good, God is fair, and He blesses those who remain humble,” he said.

As for rumors about him seeking higher office, Go brushed them aside.

“I have no ambition. Only God knows what lies ahead,” he said. “Don’t chase those things — just do your job. That’s all I’m focused on.”

Go said that winning another term meant a lot, not just for him but for their entire camp.

“I’m happy to be reelected. It means a lot to me as an incumbent senator. This was a kind of referendum — for us, for our track record, and for those who believe in our cause,” he said.