Bong Go tells Filipinos not to worry about the President's health: "He will finish and live beyond his term"

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has dismissed speculations regarding the health of President Rodrigo Duterte following the latter's remarks on his Barrett's esophagus.

"Alam ninyo, mahigit 22 years na kaming magkasama ni Pangulo at halos taun-taon ko nang naririnig ang Barrett's esophagus na 'yan. Naikukuwento niya kung kani-kanino, 'di naman ganun kalala. Nakukuwento niya na habang tumatanda tayo, marami nang ipinagbabawal," Go said during a radio interview on Saturday, August 29.

He assured that Filipinos have nothing to worry about Duterte's health as he is physically fit and is in good shape to lead the Philippines. Go also guaranteed that he will finish and live beyond his term.

"Huwag po kayong mag-alala at 'yung mga nagpapakalat ng balita, 'wag po kayong mag-aalala, 'di totoo 'yun, at kayang-kaya ni Pangulong Duterte na tapusin ang kaniyang termino and live beyond his term," Go said during the interview.

In a previous statement, Go said that the President is committed to lead and improve the lives of all Filipinos. "Bagama't may edad na ang Pangulo, ginagawa n'ya ang lahat para sa mga Pilipino. Buo ang kanyang loob na gampanan ang kanyang tungkulin bilang ama ng buong sambayanan na tumatayong poste ng ating tahanan para maalagaan at maprotektahan ang bawat Pilipinong itinuturing niyang anak," he said.

"Siya po ang lider na nagti-timon sa atin -- wala nang iba -- upang tuluyang maiahon tayo sa krisis at maipagpatuloy ang mga pagbabagong nakamit na natin sa ilalim ng kanyang pamumuno. Alagaan natin s'ya at ipagdasal natin palagi ang kanyang mabuting kalusugan," he added.

Go explained that Duterte's remarks on the supposed advice to him by doctors was a reminder to all the Filipinos to be mindful of their own health, especially now that the country is suffering from COVID-19 pandemic.

"Ipinapaalala lang ng Pangulo na mag-ingat tayo, sundin ang payo ng doktor. Sinasabi ng Pangulo, 75 years old na siya at maraming bawal," he added.

"Ito ang rason kung bakit nagiging mahigpit ang PSG at ang mga doktor sa kanya para masigurong hindi siya magkaroon ng anumang malubhang karamdaman. Lalo na ngayon na may COVID-19 health crisis, sinisigurado natin na hindi mahahawahan ang Pangulo. Ang health experts na ang nagsabi na ang mga senior citizens ang pinaka-vulnerable sa sakit na ito," Go said in his past statements.

While he reassured the public about the state of the President's health, Go asked the Filipino people to pray for the safety of the President, as he is already old and is considered vulnerable to COVID-19. The Senator added that they have to protect the President as he emphasized that the country cannot afford to lose a good leader like Duterte.

"'Wag kayo mag-alala, pero samahan n'yo ng dasal, dahil vulnerable ang senior citizens. Gusto n'ya bumaba pero pinag-iingatan namin siya, pinapayuhan namin na sana po, mayor, Mr. President, makinig ka naman. Delikado talaga at 'di natin ma-afford na mawalan ng lider sa panahon na ito," Go said.

"Siya ang timon, may nagsasabi na walang timon, eh ano ang Pangulo, tanggalin mo si Pangulo, eh di walang timon. Meron tayong lider na pinapakinggan ng tao," he added.

While temporarily staying in Davao City, Go mentioned that Duterte will eventually go back to Manila to attend a virtual conference with the King of Jordan to discuss the country's fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

"Babalik na rin siya sa mga susunod na araw sa Manila at marami po siyang gagampanan. Merong virtual conference na inimbitahan siya ng King of Jordan tungkol sa fight against pandemic. Magsasalita po si Pangulo doon," he ended.