DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 25 May) – President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday expressed confidence that his long-time aide and now senator-elect Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go will perform well as a legislator and even serve for 12 years or until 2031 if “you just do your duty.”
Duterte advised his former aide in his speech during a Thanksgiving Dinner Thursday at the Arcadia Activity Center in Davao City Thursday to copy his style and always avoid corruption.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte at the thanksgiving party hosted by senator-elect Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go at the Arcadia Event Center in Davao City on Thursday (23 May 2019). Presidential photo
“Kung makuha ni Bong ‘yan, six years siya? Ang tagal niya. Di ba gikwentahan kita? (If Bong would get it, six years? That’s too long. Did I tell you?) 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 (You have no problem working),” the President said.
A senator’s term of office is six years. The 12 newly-elected senators will serve until 2025 but they can serve for 12 years or until 2031 if reelected in the 2025 polls.
Duterte also teased Go, who landed third in the senatorial race, to thank opposition senator Antonio Trillanes IV who made him to appear in a Senate probe last year, alleging the then Special Assistant to the President was involved in the Philippine Navy’s frigate deal.
The President said his appearance in the Senate and the way he defended himself was impressive, which made him popular.
“Sinabi ko (I told him), ‘Bong, just be on the right side. Senador ka balang araw (You will be senator one day),” Duterte said.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte strikes his signature pose with Senator-elect Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and their supporters during a thanksgiving party at the Arcadia Event Center in Davao City on May 23, 2019. ROBINSON NIÑAL JR./PRESIDENTIAL P
The President also said Go’s heading the health committee in the Senate is good. “Health Committee. Good choice,” said Duterte, who reminded Go that he should take care of the people and always prioritize their interests.
Duterte lashed out at outgoing Senator Trillanes for “eternally fishing” for a mistake. (Antonio L. Colina IV/ MindaNews)