Bong Go tells supporters to count him out of Eleksyon 2022 presidential race

Senator Bong Go on Monday urged his supporters to count him out of the 2022 presidential race, even as he has yet to formally withdraw his certificate of candidacy for president.

“Sinabi naman ng [Commission on Elections] na hanggang May 9 ay pwede formally mag-withdraw. But, as a matter of principle, do not consider me as a candidate anymore dahil nakapagsalita na ako. Ang nagmamadali lang naman dito ay ang mga kalaban,” Go said in a statement.

(The Comelec said I can formally withdraw until May 9. But, as a matter of principle, do not consider me as a candidate anymore because I already declared my intention to drop my bid. It is the opposition who wanted me to withdraw my COC immediately.)

“Huwag na kayo magduda dahil nagpapakatotoo po ako sa tunay na saloobin ko. Habang hindi pa ako formally nagwi-withdraw, kailangang ipaintindi ko nang mabuti at dahan-dahan sa mga supporters ang desisyon na ito,” he added.

(Don't doubt my decision because I am just being true to myself. I have not yet formally withdrawn my candidacy, I need to explain my decision carefully and gradually to my supporter.)

Go appealed to his supporters to refrain from producing tarpaulins and conducting activities to campaign for his presidential run.

“Pamasko niyo na lang sa akin na huwag na po kayong pumunta ng COMELEC at magtipun-tipon dyan lalo na’t delikado pa rin ang panahon dahil sa pandemya,” he said.

(Please do not go to Comelec and flock there because it is risky.)

“Tulad ng sabi ko, nagreresist po talaga ang aking puso at isipan sa pagtakbo as president. Kung desidido akong tumuloy, sana hindi ko na idineklara na magwiwithdraw ako. Relax lang po kayo. Sana ay respetuhin niyo na lang ang kahilingan ko,” he added.

(Like what I've said, my heart and my mind are resisting my plans to run for president. If I am really decided to seek the post, I wouldn't have declared that I will withdraw from the race. Just relax and please respect my wishes.)

On November 30, Go announced that he will withdraw his candidacy for president in Eleksyon 2022.

Go explained that his family was not in favor of his presidential run. He also said he does not want to put President Rodrigo Duterte in a difficult situation.

But almost one week since his announcement, Go has yet to officially withdraw his COC.

Commission on Elections spokesperson James Jimenez earlier said candidates who will withdraw their COCs need to personally appear before the poll body.—LDF, GMA News