PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, formally accepted his nomination as the vice presidential bet of the PDP-Laban faction led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.
Duterte, the PDP-Laban Cusi faction chairman, said he accepted the nomination because of his love for the country.
“Thank you for the nomination. I am hopeful that this will allow me to continue serving the Filipino people,” he said during the party’s national assembly held in Pampanga.
“Alam mo bakit ako tatakbong vice president? Is it ambition? Maybe. Love of country? Yes,” he added.
The party has yet to announce their standard bearer although they earlier nominated Duterte’s former long-time aide, Senator Christopher Go.
In a statement, Go again declined the nomination. He did not attend the event.
He said he hoped the party will continue to respect his decision.
“Inuulit ko, hindi po ako interesadong tumakbo sa pagka-Pangulo sa darating na halalan. Nakatutok po ang buong puso at isipan ko sa pagseserbisyo sa aking kapwa at wala po akong hangarin na makipagkumpitensya sa pinakamataas na posisyon sa bansa,” he said.
“Dahil sa mga pagsubok na hinaharap natin ngayon, sakit sa ulo ang aabutin ng susunod na presidente. Kaya tutulong na lang ako sa kanya,” he added.
Go said he will continue to support the party and its candidates.
Included in the group’s senatorial slate are Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, former presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo, Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade and Leyte Representative Lucy Torres-Gomez.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr., Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) chairman Grego Belgica and House Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta will be their guest candidates. (SunStar Philippines)