Stunningly, Inquirer gives Bong Go a free lift

By Al S. Mendoza

DID my eyesight deceive me?

I guess not.

There it was, as clear as day, the Inquirer story trumpeting Bong Go’s campaign sortie in Cagayan de Oro City.

No, it was not totally about the campaign that got my attention, although Bong Go’s Malasakit Center advocacy is surely a boon to our marginalized people.

What struck me most about the whole thing—quite pleasantly—was Inquirer’s gesture to spotlight Bong Go’s pitch for his Senate run.

A marvelous three-point shot!

Look, isn’t President Duterte mad at the Inquirer?

All, because Mr. Duterte deemed the Inquirer as anti-Duterte from Day One of his stab at the presidency in 2016?

And since Bong Go happens to be the President’s No. 1 bet for the May senatorial election, isn’t it vengeance time for the Inquirer?

A news blackout no less against Bong Go?

But no. 

Early this week, the Inquirer carried a story that practically endorsed Bong Go’s bid for the Senate.

Here’s the Inquirer piece, titled, “Go: Senate seat  should be used to uplift lives.”

The following is the unedited story.

“CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—Former Special Assistant to the President and senatorial candidate Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Friday said a Senate seat should be utilized to help uplift the lives of the Filipino people.

“The former special assistant to the president [did I not say unedited?] made the statement after going around the city in a motorcade where he received enthusiastic welcome from the residents.  He also vowed to continue the programs and policies of President Duterte.

“’I will continue the changes that he started, the campaign against criminality, the campaign against corruption in government and the war against illegal drugs.  We will really purge illegal drugs.  President Duterte is with (me) in this.  I will help him with those three and in the task to provide a brighter future for Filipinos,’ Go said in an ambush interview.

“Go was mobbed by supporters when he decided to eat in a carinderia at the Cogon Market here after his motorcade around the city.

“Chants of ‘Go! Bong Go! Go! Bong Go!’ echoed at the market when the customers realized that the former special assistant to the president was taking his meal at one of the eateries.

“’Thank you for the warm welcome, which was as hot as the weather now.  It’s really gratifying and inspiring to serve for your benefit,’ Go said.

“Go assured that apart from the campaign against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption, he would improve the delivery of health services in the country, particularly through the law that would allow the establishment of Malasakit Centers in more provinces and key urban areas of the country.

“Service to men is service to God.  We have no other intention but to serve for the betterment of every Filipino. Thank you very much,’ he said.

“Other priority concerns under Go’s legislative agenda include programs for agriculture, housing for the poor, education, long-term sports development, fire protection and prevention, localized peace talks, barangay welfare, creation of a Department of OFW and improved benefits for senior citizens.”

Who said the Inquirer is vindictive?

Happy Easter!

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