THE Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) political party has officially announced Wednesday that incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Christopher Lawrence Go will be their standard bearers for the presidential and vice presidential posts in May 2022 elections.
During an afternoon national convention in Pampanga which was held both online and on-site, the members of the faction led by Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi have nominated thecDuterte-Go tandem for the upcoming national polls.
Duterte has expressed his gratitude for the trust given by the party and said that the bid to move him to the second highest post of the land would pave way to continue his legacy in governing the country.
“Thank you for the nomination, I am hopeful that this will allow me to continue serving the Filipino people,” he said.
The President has further emphasized that his will to accept PDP-Laban’s nomination was prompted by his inner patriotic self whose interest is inclined with sustaining the mission entrenched in his administration.
“Why am I running as vice president. Out of ambition? Maybe. Love of country? Yes. I’d like to see a continuity of my efforts like against terrorism. Gusto ko nandiyan lang ako. (I like to always be there) Somebody just have to tell them, to nudge them. The sense of fulfillment, tapos na ako (I’m already done with it),” Duterte stressed.
The PDP-Laban’s presidential nominee, on the other hand, has reiterated his refusal of the endorsement of the political faction.
In a statement, Go said that he is thankful for the nomination but remains not interested in running for presidency on next year’s election as his focus is purely on giving public service.
“Sa mga kasamahan ko sa PDP-Laban, muli, taus-puso akong nagpapasalamat sa inyo para sa inyong tiwala at suporta sa akin at kay Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. Para sa isang probinsyano at simpleng empleyado lamang na ginawa ninyong senador, malaking karangalan na po na kinonsidera ninyo sa pagka-Pangulo. Subalit, inuulit ko, hindi po ako interesadong tumakbo sa pagka-Pangulo sa darating na halalan. Nakatutok po ang buong puso at isipan ko sa pagseserbisyo sa aking kapwa at wala po akong hangarin na makipagkumpitensya sa pinakamataas na posisyon sa bansa,” Go stated.
The senator, who has been subtly recognized by Duterte as his running-mate, said that the spotlight should strike towards those who are interested to run for such positions unlike him.
Go clarified that he opted to decline the offer as he believed that Duterte’s successor would hardly govern the country due to potential crises in the future and that having the highest authority is just a “pain in the head.”
He said that it was also the reason behind his absence on the convention to further avoid misconceptions.
“Dahil sa mga pagsubok na hinaharap natin ngayon, sakit sa ulo ang aabutin ng susunod na presidente. Kaya tutulong na lang ako sa kanya. Ito rin ang rason kung bakit nagdesisyon akong hindi mag-attend ng ating pagpupulong dahil ayokong magkaroon pa ng maling kahulugan ang pagpunta ko roon,” the senator said.
Along with Duterte and Go, the PDP-Laban named Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade, and Leyte 4th District Representative Lucy Torres-Gomez for its senatorial slate.
Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission Commissioner Greco Belgica, and House Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta have been acknowledged as guest candidates.