DAVAO CITY (May 26) — President Rodrigo Duterte advised his long time personal aide now Senator-elect Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go to be always pro-people, be of help and do his job well.
During the thanksgiving party tendered by Go’s friends at the Arcadia Event center here Thursday night, Duterte said Go could go a long way as a lawmaker if he continues to be of help to the Filipino people and remain accessible to everyone who needs help and intervention.
In his speech, Duterte stressed “Kung makuha ni Bong ‘yan, six years siya? Ang tagal niya. Di ba gikwentuhan kita? Compute for you? Sabi ko, six years ka. You just do your duty, perform another six years. That’s 12 years. Wala kang problema magtrabaho,”Duterte said “So alagaan mo at saka ‘yung tao. Unahin mo…ikaw alam mo.”
Go also wanted to head the Senate health committee, which according to Duterte is also a good choice, saying he can best help the poor and marginalized.
“Alam mo, sa karamihan diyan… patay na ‘yan pagdating ng ospital. Public or private hospital, ibigay sa iyo,” the President said.
Go, the President’s long-time aide, could also use his influence, especially now that he is an elected official to rally support from wealthy donors for causes that benefit ordinary people.
The President advised Go to imitate him, citing his projects in Davao City when he was mayor, which were funded mostly by donations from rich businessmen.
He also told him to play his cards well in politics and shun the use of violence to attain power.
“So ayan si Bong. I’m just telling you how to do it properly. Panahon na. Next president, nandiyan ka pa man. Huwag kang pumayag na magpatayan. Sabihan mo ‘yang presidente, umalis ka na lang. Hayaan mo na sila mag-usap. Let them choose,’” he added.
Also, the President thanked the people for supporting Go during the last election.
Go is also competent and could function well as a lawmaker having studied at De La Salle University.
“Kasi nga naman hindi na kailangan eh. Eh may pera eh. La Salle graduate ‘to. Akala kasi nila probinsyano na probinsyano. La Salle graduate ‘yan tsaka may pera,” the President said of Go.
Thursday’s event was a time for celebration and being grateful, he said, stressing the successes of two newly elected senators from Davao region.
“We should thank God. God gave us two senators,” the President said.
Aside from Go, former Philippine National Police chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa won as senator during the May 13 midterm elections. -NewsLine.ph
