Go declines presidential bid, Duterte says otherwise

Senator Christopher 'Bong' Go stated on Thursday that he will not join the 2022 presidential race, despite President Rodrigo Duterte suggesting otherwise.

Go clarified that Duterte's statement was a joke and expressed gratitude for the president's trust but emphasized his lack of interest in running for presidency.

However, Go mentioned he might reconsider if Duterte runs for vice president.

Duterte announced during an inauguration ceremony in Dumaguete City that Go had asked him to publicly declare his intention to run for president.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque earlier stated that Go's loyalty to Duterte contributed to his election as the third highest-ranking senator in 2019.