Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has renewed his appeal for nationwide prayers for former President Rodrigo Duterte, stressing how the ongoing discussions on Duterte’s possible interim release have taken an emotional toll on those closest to him.
The senator made the remarks during an ambush interview in Davao City on Friday, where he spoke openly about his daily worries for the former chief executive. Go said prayer has become a constant part of his routine as he follows developments surrounding Duterte’s situation.
“Alam n’yo araw araw po akong nagdarasal para kay Tatay Digong hindi lang po dahil ako ay isang taga Mindanawan, hindi lang po dahil nagtrabaho sa kanya ng matagal, nagdarasal po ako kay Tatay Digong para sa kanyang kaligtasan ang kanyang kalayaan at ang kanyang kalusugan,” he said.
Go noted that Duterte, now 80, has been struggling without the support network he once relied on. “He is 80 years old na po nahihirapan syang mag isa doon,” he emphasized, adding that age and isolation have made the circumstances even more difficult.
The senator reflected on Duterte’s decades of public service, recalling how the former president eventually heeded the public’s call to run for the country’s highest office despite not originally aspiring for the post. Go said this sacrifice made his current situation even more painful to witness.
He also mentioned Duterte’s long-expressed wish to spend his later years back in Davao City, sharing the former leader’s earlier sentiment: “Sana po ay makabalik na s’ya dito as the duly elected mayor of Davao City at makapaglingkod man lang siya ulit dito sa Davao hanggang sa kanyang pagtanda. ‘Yun naman po ang kanyang ninanais noon pa.”
Go repeated his plea for collective prayer, underscoring how personally distressing the situation has been for him. “I will continue to pray for Tatay Digong my request to the Filipino people sa mga kababayan ko, ipagdasal po natin si Tatay Digong sana maenlighten po ang lahat at mapagbigyan po ang kanyang interim release,” he said.
He urged the public to pray consistently, saying the burden has been overwhelming: “Araw-araw, oras-oras ipagdasal po natin si Tatay Digong, ako mismo sobra po akong nasasaktan, isa po yan sa aking wish sa ngayon at parati kong ipinagdarasal na mabigyan sya ng interim release.”
Go again referenced Duterte’s difficulty being alone. “Nahirapan sya doon mag isa. Dito nga noon nahirapan na s’ya. Lalo na ngayon s’ya lang mag isa,” he said.
“I am appealing to every Filipino to continue praying for Tatay Digong,” the senator added.
