Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday held a post-election thanksgiving dinner in Manila, expressing gratitude to supporters and attributing his Senate victory to the legacy and backing of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

The event, held at Century Seafood Restaurant in Malate, gathered campaign staff, political allies, and supporters. In his remarks, Go emphasized that the gathering was not a celebration, but a gesture of thanks following what he described as a difficult campaign.

“This is not a victory party,” Go said. "I call this a Thanksgiving dinner — as a way of saying thank you to all of you."

Go, who topped the recent senatorial race with over 27 million votes, acknowledged the absence of Duterte during the campaign and said it was a major challenge for his team. He called Duterte’s support a key factor behind his electoral success.

“I wouldn’t be here if not because of Tatay Digong,” Go said, referring to Duterte as a father figure and the reason he made it to" number one.”

He also credited grassroots support across the country, citing strong showings in Mindanao, the Visayas, and far-flung areas of Luzon such as Batanes and Kalinga. Religious organizations including Iglesia Ni Cristo, El Shaddai, and Pentecostal groups were among those he thanked for their backing.