Photo credit: Senator Bong Go

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has once again spoken up about former President Rodrigo Duterte’s unwavering commitment to Filipinos—especially those overseas—recalling how he made sure every citizen had the right to return home, no matter the crisis.

This comes after infectious diseases expert Dr. Edsel Maurice Salvana shared a story about a critical Malacañang meeting during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, health experts strongly pushed for a total ban on travelers from countries with widespread transmission of the Alpha and Beta variants. But when it came to barring Filipinos from returning, Duterte refused.

Salvana recalled how Duterte firmly told him:
"Doctor, thank you for your input. I will follow everything you said except for this. I am sorry, but if any Filipino wants to go home, who am I to say no? It is my job to bring them home."
Duterte even went the extra mile, ensuring that the government would cover all transport, testing, and quarantine costs to minimize risks.

Go, who served as Duterte’s closest aide for over two decades, backed up Salvana’s story, saying that this moment was just one of many where the former president placed Filipinos’ welfare above all else.

From Bringing Filipinos Home… to Being Kept Away?

Fast forward to today, and Go is now raising a crucial question: why is Duterte—who made it his mission to bring Filipinos home—now stuck facing legal battles abroad?

Go, who has always looked after Duterte’s well-being, expressed concern over the former president’s health, saying, “Matagal ko nang kilala si Tatay Digong. Alam kong hindi niya inuna ang sarili niya dahil inuuna niya ang kapakanan ng kapwa Pilipino. Ngayon na siya naman ang nasa ganitong sitwasyon, sino ang mag-aalaga sa kanya?”

The senator’s sentiments were echoed by Duterte’s supporters, who gathered at Liwasang Bonifacio on March 15 for a prayer rally called "Bring PRRD Home." The movement continues to gain traction, with calls for Duterte to be allowed to face any allegations within the Philippine legal system rather than international courts.

Go passionately reminded the crowd of Duterte’s track record in bringing Filipinos back home, even in the most difficult circumstances. He shared how they personally worked to free an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Bahrain from a death sentence—going as far as writing to the Saudi King and securing blood money to ensure the OFW’s safe return.

“Why Are We Letting This Happen?”

The senator then turned emotional, questioning why Duterte—who dedicated his leadership to protecting Filipinos—was now in such a situation.

"Ito ba ang kabayaran sa ginawa niyang pagsasakripisyo, pagmamahal, at paglilingkod para sa bayan?" Go asked.
As the "Bring PRRD Home" movement gains momentum, Go remains firm in his stance that Duterte should be allowed to address any legal issues within the Philippines’ jurisdiction, highlighting the country’s sovereignty and the strength of its justice system.

For Go and Duterte’s supporters, it’s not just about politics—it’s about principle. If Duterte made it his mission to ensure Filipinos always had a way back home, then why shouldn’t the same courtesy be extended to him?