Nobody can use gov’t resources, not even Bong: Duterte

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in his arrival speech at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City on September 8, 2018, runs down the different agreements that the Philippines have reached during the official visits to the State of Israel and Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday assured that nobody, including Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, can use government resources during the election campaign.

Duterte made this assurance as he also appealed to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) not to get involved in partisan politics.

“I’ll announce to the country now that we make a pledge: There will be an election and it will be an honest one. Nobody but nobody can use government resources, not even Bong. I will not allow it,” Duterte said in his speech during the Philippine Army Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Before gracing the event, Duterte accompanied his top aide in filing his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for senator.

“Bong is not my aide anymore. The moment he signed his Certificate of Candidacy, he ceased to be a government employee. He ran (for elective post),” Duterte said.

In a press conference after filing his COC, Go assured he will not use government resources during the poll campaign.

He said it would be good for the country if the military and police are apolitical.

“I expect everybody to respect that constitutional prohibition,” he said.

In an interview with Palace reporters before filing his candidacy, Go said the administration senatorial slate is expected to be announced by Thursday.

Earlier, former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said he will run as a party-list representative instead seeking a senatorial seat.

“I am taking the advice of the President,” Roque said in a Palace briefing.

Roque said he will file a certification of nomination for environmental party-list Luntian Pilipinas on Tuesday.

The filing of COC for the 2019 midterm elections will end on Oct. 17.