President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said Senator-elect Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go could have a long stint as lawmaker as long as he does his job well and prioritize the people.

Go could be assured of 12 years in the Senate if he performs well, the President said.

“Kung makuha ni Bong ‘yan, six years siya? Ang tagal niya. Di ba gikwentuhan kita? Compute for you? Sabi ko, six years ka. You just do your duty, perform another six years. That’s 12 years. Wala kang problema magtrabaho,” President Duterte said in a speech during the thanksgiving dinner for Go at the Arcadia Event Center in Davao City on Thursday. “So alagaan mo at saka ‘yung tao. Unahin mo…ikaw alam mo.”

Go’s decision to head the Senate health committee is also a good choice, according to the President, noting Go could help so many people, especially the poor and marginalized.

“Alam mo, sa karamihan diyan… patay na ‘yan pagdating ng ospital. Public or private hospital, ibigay sa iyo,” the President said.

Go, the President’s long-time aide, could also use his influence, especially now that he is an elected official to rally support from wealthy donors for causes that benefit ordinary people.

The President advised Go to imitate him, citing his projects in Davao City when he was mayor, which were funded mostly by donations from rich businessmen.

He also told him to play his cards well in politics and shun the use of violence to attain power.

“So ayan si Bong. I’m just telling you how to do it properly. Panahon na. Next president, nandiyan ka pa man. Huwag kang pumayag na magpatayan. Sabihan mo ‘yang presidente, umalis ka na lang. Hayaan mo na sila mag-usap. Let them choose,’” he added.

Also, the President thanked the people for supporting Go during the last election.

Go is also competent and could function well as a lawmaker having studied at De La Salle University.

“Kasi nga naman hindi na kailangan eh. Eh may pera eh. La Salle graduate ‘to. Akala kasi nila probinsyano na probinsyano. La Salle graduate ‘yan tsaka may pera,” the President said of Go.

Thursday’s event was a time for celebration and being grateful, he said, stressing the successes of two newly elected senators from Davao region.

“We should thank God. God gave us two senators,” the President said.

Aside from Go, former Philippine National Police chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa won as senator during the May 13 midterm elections. #PND