Surprise entries create chaos in race to succeed Philippines' Duterte; now the President's long-time aide also joins the race

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (left) raises the hand of senator Christopher 'Bong' Go after he filed his candidacy for president in the 2022 elections before the November 15 deadline at the Commission on Election in Manila on Saturday, November 13, 2021. - AFP

MANILA, Nov 13 (Reuters): The Philippines' presidential race got more crowded with the last-minute entry of Rodrigo Duterte's long-time aide, in another twist to an election likely to be dominated by powerful family dynasties rather than reforms.

Duterte loyalist, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, registered to run for president after withdrawing his application to run for the No. 2 post, pitting himself against several rivals, including the son of late Philippine strongman Ferdinand Marcos.