DAVAO CITY, Philippines – On the strength of President Rodrigo Duterte's

endorsement, two Davaoeño political newbies got enough votes to land them a Senate
seat, based on partial, unofficial election results from the Commission on Elections on
Tuesday morning, May 14.

As of 5:45 am on Tuesday, with 92.89% of precincts having transmitted results to the

Comelec server, Duterte aide Christopher "Bong" Go had garnered 19,535,952 votes,
while former Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa had received 17,964,775
votes.

The numbers put both in the top 5.

Both Go and Dela Rosa hail from Davao Region and had spent decades of their lives
working closely with Duterte – from his days as Davao City mayor to his presidency.

Because of this closeness, Duterte heavily campaigned for the two of them, repeatedly
praising Go for his dependability and Dela Rosa for his honesty during his public
speeches. (READ: The man they call Bong Go)

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Duterte votes in Davao City

President Rodrigo Duterte, accompanied by his partner Honeylet Avanceña, participates in the 2019
elections

Victory for all 3 Duterte children in Davao City

It's still Duterte domination in Davao City, where Sara Duterte is reelected mayor, Baste Duterte enters
politics as vice mayor, and Paolo Duterte wins the first legislative district seat
First-time candidates

Their electoral victory is astounding because both Go and Dela Rosa had never sought
elective positions before, let alone the national position of senator.

Before his Senate bid, Go was "Special Assistant to the President" and a member of
Duterte's Cabinet. Dela Rosa meanwhile, had served as Duterte's first police chief and
then Bureau of Corrections chief when he retired from police active duty.

Before the Duterte presidency, Go and Dela Rosa were virtual unknowns in national
politics. Go had been an executive assistant to Duterte during his mayorship while Dela
Rosa was Davao City police chief.

Plans for the Senate

Dela Rosa's banner campaign promise is to reinstate death penalty for drug trafficking.
He has said he would focus on legislative work related to peace, order, and security,
given his decades of experience as a law enforcer.

As a Duterte-endorsed candidate, Dela Rosa is expected to support Duterte policies

and stances on issues.

Go has said he would champion legislation on putting up more Malasakit Centers (hubs
for centralizing sources of financial assistance for people’s medical needs), fire
prevention, magna carta for barangay captains, a department for overseas Filipino
workers, and sports development.

He has said he would likely join the Senate committee on health and the powerful
Commission on Appointments, the body that confirms presidential appointees. –
Rappler.com

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Check this Rappler page for real-time election results.