Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go affirmed he and Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte are in good terms following the latter’s call for him to stand against tyranny.
The senator told Edge Davao that his love and loyalty to former president Rodrigo Duterte extends to the former president’s family.
“Okay naman mi. Mahal ko si Tatay Digong and pamilya niya. Important sa akin ang pamilya more than sa politika,” Go said.
Last month, the mayor bared that he and Go have already talked. The mayor added that’s how politics is and should not be taken lightly.
“Oo ug nag istorya mi. Pulitika lang man na and wala ma’y need na kailangan imong dibdibon. We were talking about katong giingon nako, statement nako sa Maisug rally sa Pampanga. Pulitika, kung dili ka kaantos ani, undang na lang. Ana ba. Mao man gyud ni ang kinabuhi sa usa ka politiko or elected official na naa sa gobyerno. Wala koy problema niya (Go) and I believe that was a fair comment,” the mayor told the media.
This developed after Duterte expressed disappointment during the recent Hakbang ng Maisug rally in Angeles City, Pampanga, at Go’s silence about the ongoing issues against the Dutertes and Davao City.
On Saturday, June 29, Senator Go attended the commencement exercises of Davao Oriental State University (DORSU) at the Main Campus in Mati City, Davao Oriental, as their guest of honor and speaker.
The event celebrated the achievements of 1,516 graduates from various faculties, including the Graduate School, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Faculty of Computing, Data Sciences, Engineering, and Technology, Faculty of Governance, Business, and Management, Faculty of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, and Faculty of Teacher Education.
In his address, Senator Go lauded the graduates for their dedication and hard work, emphasizing the significance of their academic journey. “You should all congratulate yourselves for reaching this far. Despite being from different courses, you have each faced and overcome your unique challenges,” he remarked.
The senator also extended his heartfelt gratitude to the parents and guardians, highlighting their crucial role in supporting the graduates. “Bilang isang magulang din, iba ang feeling ng isang ama na makapagtapos ang kanyang anak. Mayroon lang akong pakiusap sa mga graduates, pasalamatan natin ang ating mga magulang. Halikan natin, yakapin natin mamaya sa pag uwi,” he likewise urged the graduates.
“Kaming mga magulang, wala kaming ibang ginawa kundi mabigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang amin mga anak sa pagpagpapa-aral. Bilang ganti po, pagkatapos nito, ‘wag po natin kalimutan na pasalamatan ang ating mga magulang,” he added.
Senator Go praised the faculty and the entire DORSU community for their commitment to education. He acknowledged the university as a second home for the students and the teachers as second parents.
The senator encouraged the graduates to continue learning even after graduation, sharing his own experiences. He emphasized that learning does not stop at graduation; even as a senator, he continues to learn.
He recounted that his journey to the Senate was unexpected, but his desire to serve and provide for the people guided him. Following the advice of former President Rodrigo Duterte, he always strives to do what is right, trusting that everything else will follow.
“May pakiusap lang ako sa inyo mga estudyante, sa mga graduates, bagong challenge ito sa inyo. Mahalin ninyo ang kapwa, mahalin ninyo ang inyong mga magulang. (Malay niyo,) pagdating ng panahon, (pumasok kayo sa) public service (tulad ko) at magseserbisyo kayo sa mga mamamayan,” said Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service.
