MANILA, Philippines –
President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go have decided to drop their 2022 election bids on Tuesday, December 14.
| President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Bong Go file withdrawal of candidacy | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ PCOO and Twitter/ James Jimenez |
The Presidential Communications Official Facebook page posted photos of Duterte personally filing his statement of withdrawal. The President arrived at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday afternoon to drop out of the senatorial race in the upcoming national elections.
This move came just hours after Go also formally filed his statement of withdrawal for the position of president. Two weeks ago, the senator verbally announced that he will drop out from the presidential race saying it is really not his dream. He admitted he felt he needed to follow the order of the President, his long-time ally.
“Wala na po ako sa karerang ito. Nakapagsalita na ako nung Nov. 30, pinaintindi ko lang sa supporters ko na nagre-resist ang aking puso, isipan sa pagtakbo,” Go said.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez shared Go’s photo filing the necessary documents.
Earlier, presidential daughter and Vice president candidate Sara Duterte-Carpio endorsed her father’s candidacy for senator. According to Sara, her father was “number one on her list” as she officially released a partial slate of 2022 Senate bets.
The deadline for voluntary substitution of candidates was last November 15. This meant that their posts can no longer accommodate a substitute. Under the rules, a substitute candidate can still be considered until midday of election day only if that person has the same surname and if the candidate involuntarily withdraws via death or disqualification.
No comments yet from Sara Duterte’s party Lakas-CMD nor from the President’s PDP- Laban.
— Sally, The Summit Express