Senator Bong Go has officially backed out of the vice presidential race and will instead be running for president. The decision was confirmed by PDP-Laban secretary general Melvin Matibag in a message to media on Saturday, November 13.

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Go himself went to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office to withdraw his first candidacy and enter his candidacy for president. Despite being a member of PDP-Laban, go will be running as president under “PDDS,” said Matibag.

“PDDS” refers to Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan. The party earlier fielded Grepor Belgica, the father of Duterte ally and Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission chair Greco Belgica, as its presidential candidate.

PDP-Laban president Alfonso Cusi explained that Go is running under PDDS instead of PDP-Laban to avoid legal complications. The Cusi faction had earlier asked Comelec to declare as illegitimate another faction led by Senators Manny Pacquiao and Koko Pimentel.

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Go earlier hinted at a planned withdrawal from the vice presidential race, citing the wishes of President Rodrigo Duterte. The long-time Duterte aide made the decision after the President’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, formalized her bid for vice president under Lakas-CMD.

Even if he loses, Go’s Senate term ends in 2025 yet.

This is a developing story. – Rappler.com