Sara Duterte Calls for Unity After Bong Go Quits Presidential Race

Vice presidential aspirant Sara Duterte-Carpio on Thursday called on supporters of the administration to unite now that Sen. Bong Go has withdrawn from the 2022 presidential race.

The Davao City mayor said that since she launched her vice presidential candidacy alongside Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. last month, she has been calling for unity among supporters of the administration of her father, President Rodrigo Duterte.

"Now that Sen. Bong Go has declared his withdrawal from the presidential race and to quote him, 'for the sake of unity among our supporters and leaders,' tuloy-tuloy na po tayo sa ating pagkakaisa kasama ang BBM-SARA Uniteam upang tayo ay magtagumpay sa ating hangarin para sa bansa," she said.

Go announced his intention to back out from the presidential race on Tuesday, saying that it might not be his time to seek the highest position in the land.

President Duterte's longtime aide also previously said that he was willing to make the "supreme sacrifice," hinting at a possible withdrawal from his presidential bid.

"I am withdrawing from the race. Having said this, I leave my fate to God and to the Filipino people as I vow to do my best every day to serve selflessly and tirelessly," Go said.

The elder Duterte had endorsed his daughter for vice president, but chose to vouch for Go for president instead of Marcos Jr.. He also called the only son and namesake of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos as a "weak leader."

Marcos Jr.'s elder sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, admitted that their family was "absolutely heartbroken" by Duterte's remarks. She hoped for reconciliation as she reminded the President that they are "not the enemy."

ALSO READ:

Binge or Cringe-Worthy? How to See Through Drama in Philippine Politics

The Teleserye of Political Families in the Philippines, Explained

#LetLeniLead, #RunSaraRun: Politics of Public Clamor, Explained