Bong Go in PDP Rally in Zamboanga City 

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Former Presidential Assistant to the President and 2019 senatorial candidate Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go called for more funding earmarked for health services saying it would be a prudent use of government resources.

“Kung meron tayong pera, gamitin natin sa health services para maalagaan ang kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino,” Go told the people of Zamboanga during the Sunday rally of the senatorial slate of the ruling party, Partido Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP-Laban).

Under the 1987 Constitution, the State is mandated “to protect and promote the right to health of the people.”

“Pangarap ko na magkaroon ng gobyernong nagmamalasakit sa tao – nagbibigay ng maayos, mabilis at maaasahang serbisyo lalo na pagdating sa mga programang pang-medikal,” Go said adding that providing quality healthcare would lead to more productive citizens.

However, Go lamented that many government health institutions lack adequate facilities to deal with a large number of patients, particularly the poor, who are seeking treatment at public hospitals. “I-improve natin ang health services throughout the country. Kulang ang mga hospital beds, minsan nakahilera sa labas ng ward (ang mga pasyente). Papano gagaling ang mga pasyente isang kama dalawa o tatlong pasyente o nasa labas?” Go pointed out.

He said additional funding for public hospitals would go a long way to increase their bed capacities and acquire additional facilities that could help provide a more comfortable environment conducive to faster recovery. Also part of his advocacy to improve the delivery of health services in the country is the establishment of more Malasakit Centers, according to the former SAP.

Based on Go’s idea, Malasakit Center is a program of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte meant to make it easier and faster for poor patients to avail of medical and financial assistance from the government by bringing together in one room all concerned government agencies, such as the DOH, DSWD, PCSO, and Philhealth.

“Meron na pong Malasakit Center dito sa Zamboanga. Yan ang gusto kong isabatas para kahit hindi na Pangulo si Pangulong Duterte tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang programa,” said Go.

He earlier envisioned that through legislation, Malasakit Centers can be established in more provinces and key urban centers in the country. Also part of Go’s plans for improved delivery of health services include efforts to raise the salary of public nurses and regular benefits for barangay health workers.

Go also gave the assurance that he would be continuing the change in the Philippines that started because of President Rodrigo Duterte. “Ating itutuloy ang pagbabagong sinimulan ni Pangulong Duterte,” Go declared.

President Duterte also told the Zamboangueños during his speech to support Bong Go. According to the President, Go is “a sincere and honest public servant”. “If there is one word to describe Bong Go, sincere,” said the President, reiterating how Go served him and the people with utmost sincerity and honesty for more than 20 years. “Iyang si Bong Go, walang tulog ang serbisyo. Isa lang ang bisyo, serbisyo,” Duterte said in past statements.

Likewise, Go said that as much as he could he is ready to reach out to the Filipinos who need assistance wherever they are. “Pangako ko sa Pilipino , kahit saang sulok ng Pilipinas papasukin ko (para matulungan kayo), basta kaya lang po ng aking katawan,” he said. “Wala po kaming ibang hangarin ni Pangulong Duterte kundi ang kabutihan ng bawat Pilipino dahil mahal namin kayo,” Go added.

Apart from improved delivery of health services and the fight against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption, Go’s legislative agenda include programs for agriculture, education, housing for the poor, long-term sports development, fire protection and prevention, localized peace talks, barangay welfare, creation of a Department of OFW and improved benefits for senior citizens. (Jun Ledesma)

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