In an ambush interview on March 19 in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go shared the final words of former President Rodrigo Duterte before the latter was taken into custody and transported to The Hague, emphasizing his unwavering focus on public service and aid for the poor.
“Lahat naman po ay ginagawa natin. Gusto ko rin po madalaw si former President Duterte, namimiss ko na po siya. Nangungulila po ako, para po akong nawalan ng tatay,” said Senator Go, expressing his deep longing for Duterte, whom he had served closely for over two decades.
Despite his strong desire to visit Duterte, Senator Go reiterated the former President’s firm instruction before his arrest: “Kaya lang po, gaya ng sinabi n’ya bago kami huling nagkausap, sabi n’ya, unahin mo muna ‘yung trabaho, ‘yung pagseserbisyo. ‘Wag mong pabayaan ‘yung tungkulin mo. Unahin mong tulungan ‘yung mga mahihirap. ‘Yon po ang pinagbilin n’ya sa akin.”
Senator Go emphasized that he remains committed to Duterte’s directive, ensuring that his duties as a senator take precedence.
“‘Yan po ang ginagawa ko ngayon. At inaalalayan ko rin po ang kanyang pamilya. Gaya ng sinabi ni Kitty, na habang wala siyang ama, ay ako muna ang tatayong kanyang tatay. Hindi ko po pinapabayaan ito, including nanay ni Kitty at iba pang mga pangangailangan ng pamilya,” he said, referring to Duterte’s daughter, Veronica “Kitty” Duterte.
Reflecting on their long-standing working relationship, Senator Go recounted, “Dahil naging malapit po ako kay dating Pangulong Duterte for the past 26 years. Dalawampu’t apat na taon kaming magkasama mula 1998 hanggang 2022, hanggang natapos ‘yung termino n’ya. Puro kami trabaho, halos araw-araw kaming magkasama.”
Now that Duterte’s term has ended, Senator Go acknowledged the physical distance between them but assured that he continues to look after the former President’s health.
“Ngayon naman po, tapos ‘yung termino n’ya, nasa Davao siya, nasa Maynila naman po ako may trabaho. Pero ‘yung pinangako ko sa kanya, ‘yung health n’ya po, hindi ko pababayaan,” he said.
The senator disclosed that Duterte was scheduled for a medical check-up upon his return but was swiftly taken into custody before the consultation could take place.
“‘Yan po ang patuloy kong ginagawa sa mga nakaraang buwan. Sinasamahan ko pa rin po siya sa ospital. In fact, scheduled po siyang magpa-checkup nga po pag-uwi n’ya rito. Kaya lang po, hindi na po binigay ‘yung pagkakataon na ma-admit siya sa ospital dahil mabilisang hinuli agad siya,” Senator Go revealed.
As Duterte faces proceedings in The Hague, Senator Go reaffirmed his dedication to continuing the former President’s legacy, prioritizing public service and standing by his family in this difficult time.
