Partido Demokratiko Pilipino President Sen. Robin Padilla shows his support for the reelection bid of Senators Bong Go and Ronald dela Rosa, and Senate try of actor Philip Salvador. Sherrie Ann Torres, ABS-CBN News

MANILA (UPDATE) — Senators Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa and Bong Go on Thursday filed their respective certificates of candidacy (COCS) in their bid for reelection next year in light of the ongoing investigations in their alleged roles in the previous administration's war on drugs.
The two are among the closest and most trusted allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who now faces local and international probes over his policies.
Dela Rosa said if elected again, he would continue his advocacy on "public order and safety."
However, he admitted that the supposed fight between the Dutertes and the current administration could affect his chances for reelection.
"Either way puwede ako manalo o matalo dahil sa gulo na yan," he said.
Aside from Go and Dela Rosa, actor Phillip Salvador is also running for senator with them under the PDP-Laban party.

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Sen. Robin Padilla, another PDP-Laban member, accompanied the three in their filing of COCs.

DUTERTE SHOULD RUN

Meanwhile, Padilla said they are in the process of convincing Duterte to join the senatorial race.

“Kami pong lahat ay nakikiusap. Kami pong lahat ay talagang nagla-lobby kay dating pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte, na siya po ay tumakbo, gayundin po yung isa sa mga anak nya po ay tumakbo na senador,” Padilla said.

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“Hanggang ngayon po, sa mga oras na ito, kami po idinudulog po namin yan kay dating pangulong Duterte,” he added.

 Padilla said it was important to have at least one Duterte in the PDP-Laban slate since the party is "synonymous" with the family.

“Gusto ko tumakbo sya (sa pagka-senador). Kung hindi sya, isa sa mga anak nya. Kasi para sa amin, napakahalaga sa PDP na may Duterte. Dahil ang PDP ay Duterte,” Padilla stressed.

At present, party leaders are in talks with the former president and his sons Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte and Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte. — With reports from Sherrie Ann Torres, ABS-CBN News