Bong Go Biography: Wife, Ethnicity, Criticism, Politics, Net Worth, Age, Controversy, Advocacy

Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Tesoro Go is a Filipino politician and public servant best known for his close association with former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Rising from the role of Duterte’s longtime aide and special assistant, Bong Go transitioned into national politics, winning a seat in the Philippine Senate in 2019.

Known for his hands-on style and visible presence in disaster response operations, he built his political identity around accessibility and personal service, while maintaining a steady connection to the administration that elevated him.

Profile

• Full name: Christopher Lawrence Tesoro Go
• Nickname: Bong Go
• Date of birth: June 14, 1974
• Age: 51 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Davao City, Philippines
• Nationality: Filipino
• Profession: Politician, public servant, businessman
• Height: 5′ 8″ (1.73 m)
• Parents: Desiderio Lim Go,Marichu Tesoro-Go
• Siblings: Maritess “Ali” G. de Leon (sister); Mario Ignatius Go (brother)
• Spouse: Emmylou Cruz Go
• Children: Christian Lawrence “Chrence” Cruz Go and Christiel Lorraine Cruz Go
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Roman Catholic
• Ethnicity: Filipino-Chinese
• Net worth: ₱200 million

Early Life and education

Christopher Lawrence Tesoro Go is now, at the age of 51, and was born on June 14, 1974, in Davao City to Desiderio and Marichu Go. His family, of Filipino-Chinese heritage, ran a hardware business in Davao, which exposed him early to entrepreneurship and local community life. His siblings are Maritess “Ali” G. de Leon (sister); Mario Ignatius Go (brother).

He completed his elementary and secondary education in Davao City and later attended De La Salle University in Manila, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing.

During this time, he maintained connections with Davao and eventually began working closely with local leaders, setting the stage for his long-term partnership with Rodrigo Duterte.

Personal Life

Bong Go is married to Emmylou Cruz Go, and together they have two adult children. Their family life balances his busy political career with personal milestones, such as their son, Christian Lawrence “Chrence” Cruz Go, following in his father’s footsteps into public service by becoming the vice mayor of Lupon, Davao Oriental.

Their daughter, Christiel Lorraine Cruz Go, has pursued a career in healthcare, graduating with honors and becoming a registered medical technologist.

Career

Bong Go’s political career began through his work as the executive assistant and special assistant to Rodrigo Duterte, first during Duterte’s tenure as mayor of Davao City and later when Duterte became president of the Philippines in 2016.

As Special Assistant to the President (SAP), Go managed the President’s schedule, correspondence, and public engagements, earning the nickname “the bridge” between Duterte and the public.

In 2018, he resigned from his post to run for senator. Backed by Duterte and a strong national campaign presence, he won a Senate seat in the 2019 elections under the PDP–Laban party.

As a senator, Go authored and sponsored key pieces of legislation, including the Malasakit Centers Act (Republic Act No. 11463), which institutionalized one-stop centers providing medical and financial assistance to indigent patients in public hospitals.

He also supported measures on disaster resilience, housing, and sports development, including the creation of the National Academy of Sports. His political advocacy often focuses on grassroots public service, particularly health, education, and emergency assistance.

During the 2022 elections, Go briefly filed a certificate of candidacy for president under the PDP–Laban faction aligned with Duterte but later withdrew, citing personal reasons and national unity. Since then, he has remained active in the Senate, focusing on local aid and national recovery initiatives.

Awards

• Outstanding Public Servant Award (Philippine Councilors League, 2018)
• Datu Bago Award (City Government of Davao, 2016)
• Outstanding Government Worker Award (Civil Service Commission, 2019)
• Public Servant of the Year (People’s Choice Awards, 2021)

Net worth

Bong Go’s estimated net worth is ₱200 million. This estimate reflects his declared assets as a senator, including business interests, property, and savings, as well as typical income for a senior government official. His primary financial growth stems from his pre-political family business background and legitimate income as a public servant.

Controversy

Go has faced several political controversies, mostly connected to his role in Duterte’s administration. In 2018, his name surfaced in news reports regarding the procurement of Navy frigates; Go denied involvement, and the Senate later cleared him of any wrongdoing.

He has also been criticized by opposition figures for alleged overexposure in disaster operations, with detractors calling it “politicized aid distribution.” Go responded that his presence in such efforts is part of his duty as a public servant.

In 2021, his initial filing and subsequent withdrawal from the presidential race drew media speculation about political maneuvering within the Duterte camp, though he clarified that the decision was personal and meant to avoid further division among supporters.

Social Media

• Instagram: @sapbonggo
• X (Twitter): @bonggooficial
• Facebook: Sen. Bong Go
• YouTube: @BongGoPH
• TikTok: @bonggo.ph