Bong Go confirms meeting between Duterte, Bongbong

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has confirmed the meeting between President Rodrigo Duterte and presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. days before the PDP-Laban Cusi wing announced its endorsement for Marcos’ candidacy in Eleksyon 2022.

According to Go, long time aide of Duterte, the two had a productive meeting, with the Chief Executive sharing his experiences with Marcos as the outgoing president of the country.

Go said Duterte also gave Marcos some advices during their meeting.

“Maganda naman po ang resulta ng meeting. Medyo matagal-tagal nga ‘yun at talagang ganado ‘yung Pangulo na magkuwento. I think about 80% ng discussion ay more on si Presidente po ang nagsasalita,” Go said in statement released Thursday.

[The result of the meeting was good. It took a while and the President was excited. I think 80% of the discussion, the President was the one speaking.] 

“And he shared his experience po as president sa mga nakaraan. Ito, nagbigay siya ng mga kaunting payo, mga ginawa niya para sa ating bayan ay sana po’y ipagpatuloy ng kung sino man po 'yung magiging susunod na Pangulo,” he added.

[And he shared his experience as President. He gave a little advice, what he did for the country and wished that whoever wins should continue what he has started.] 

Go said the meeting was one of the factors that led to the PDP-Laban Cusi faction to endorse Marcos' presidential bid. He also said the party had various talks and consultations before having the decision.

“Malamang ‘yun po ang naging isa sa naging dahilan, pero dumaan po ‘yun sa konsultasyon at proseso,” said Go.

[It could be one of the factors but it [endorsement] went through consultation and the proper process.]

“It’s a party decision po. So, ibig sabihin dumaan sa proseso, pinag-usapan, nagkonsultasyon sa iba’t ibang miyembro ng PDP at majority ang nakapag-decide kung sino po ‘yung ina-adopt at susuportahan. So, it’s a party decision po,” he added.

[It’s a party decision, meaning it went through the process, was discussed and every PDP-Laban member was consulted.]

Go expressed hope that there would be unity within the party when it comes to endorsing candidates in the upcoming elections.

The PDP-Laban faction under Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi endorsed the presidential candidacy of the former senator as the wing believes that Marcos is the candidate whose platform is most aligned with the development program of its chairman, President Rodrigo Duterte.

Acting presidential spokesman Martin Andanar, however, clarified that the Chief Executive is not yet endorsing Marcos. — RSJ, GMA News