A faction of PDP-Laban on Wednesday formally proclaimed Sen. Bong Go as its candidate for president in the 2022 elections, with President Rodrigo Duterte as its vice presidential bet.
The proclamation took place during the faction's national convention in Pampanga organized by Energy Sec. Alfonso Cusi and attended by Duterte.
Along with the standard bearers, the faction also proclaimed their senatorial candidates for the upcoming elections which includes Labor Sec. Silvestre Bello III, Transportation Sec. Arthur Tugade, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Arthur Tugade, and Leyte Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Public Works Sec. Mark Villar, Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission chairman Greco Belgica, and Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta were named guest candidates.
Duterte reiterated his intention to run for president in the 2022 elections as he thanked his partymates for the nomination. This, he said, would allow him "to continue serving the Filipino people and lead the entire nation to greater progress."
"Bakit ako tatakbo ng vice presidency? Is it ambition? Maybe. But is it really a sense of love of country? Yes. I want to see the continuity of my efforts even though I may not be the one giving direction? Baka makatulong lang ako."
Duterte earlier confirmed his plan to run for vice president in the 2022 elections after his partymates announced that he accepted their endorsement.
Analysts, however, were concerned that Duterte's vice presidential run would result in the circumvention of the law since the Constitution only prohibits the sitting president from seeking reelection.
Go, on the other hand, maintained that he has no interest in running for president.
"Unahin niyo na lang po ang may gusto. Ang importante ay hanapan natin ng katimbang si Pangulong Duterte upang maipagpatuloy ang pagbabago. Yun ang continuity na inaasam natin," he said.
"I have already respectfully declined your endorsement through a letter I sent last week. I am hoping that the party will continue to respect my decision," he added.
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