AS the campaign period heats up, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go urged candidates running for the 2022 national and local elections to focus on public service by putting the welfare of Filipinos first. He said this amid speculations that President Rodrigo Duterte will possibly endorse a presidential candidate in the coming days.

“I cannot speak on behalf of the President until makapagsalita po ang ating Pangulo,” said Go during an ambush interview after his visit to fire victims in Maharlika, Taguig City on Tuesday, March 29.

“Pero, hopefully po sana, in the next few days ay mayroon ho siyang maendorso pero desisyon niya po ‘yon. Matagal na ho tayong nag-aantay,” he added.

While he cannot speak on behalf of the President, Go said that he himself has already declared his support for the candidates that his party, the PDP-Laban, is formally endorsing. The ruling party is endorsing the presidential and vice presidential bid of Marcos and Sara Duterte, respectively.

“Nabanggit na po ni Vice Mayor Baste. Kami naman po sa PDP, pumirma na rin po ako, mayroon na hong iniendorso ang PDP,” the senator said.

“So antayin na lang po natin ang ating Pangulo kung ano po ‘yung kanyang personal na magiging desisyon sa mga susunod na araw,” he added.

Go previously stated that he hopes for unity within the party when it comes to backing candidates in the next elections.

Meanwhile, Go remarked that the President is keen on backing a candidate who will continue the current administration’s successful programs and policies.

“Ang sinasabi niya, sana ay ipagpatuloy ang magagandang programa. Pero hindi naman natin masabi kung sino talaga ‘yung gustong magpatuloy nitong magagandang programa,” said Go.

“Ako naman habang nag-usap kami, hopefully ‘yung magagandang programa na nakakatulong, ‘yung Build Build Build program, mga free education, free irrigation, ito pong Malasakit Center, mga healthcare natin, ipagpatuloy niyo lang po,” he added.

He then expressed gratitude to all of the candidates for their desire to serve the country. He urged them to put the welfare and interests of the Filipino people first if elected.

“Maraming salamat po sa mga tumatakbo, sa mga public servants or future public servants,” said Go.

“Isa lang naman po ang ating layunin, tandaan niyo po isa lang po ang maipapayo ko sa inyo, unahin niyo lang po ang kapakanan at interes ng mga kababayan natin, interes ng bayan natin, hinding-hindi ka magkakamali,” he ended.