FORMER SPECIAL Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go jumped into the coveted “Magic 12” in the 2019 senatorial race, landing in the 5th to 6th place, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.
The survey, conducted from January 23-26, said Go made a huge jump from his 15th-16th place ranking in the December 2018 SWS survey to secure a strong place in the middle of winning circle, tied with re-electionist Sen. Edgardo Angara.
Go expressed gratitude to the people for their trust and confidence in his capability to serve the nation as a legislator as he vowed to work even harder to present his advocacies to the Filipino people. “Nakakataba po ng puso na pinagtitiwalaan ninyo ang aking kakayahan at katapatan para mag-serbisyo sa ating bayan. Magsilbi po sana itong inspirasyon para lalo tayong magsikap na iparating sa ating mga kababayan ang mga programang ating nais isulong para sa kapakanan at kaunlaran ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.
“Nais kong baguhin ang pagiisip ng tao na ang isang simpleng probinsyano na nagtatrabaho bilang staff, hindi sikat, hindi artista, hindi nanggaling sa pamilya ng pulitiko, ay pwedeng mangarap na magserbisyo sa kapwa sa mas malaking kapasidad,” he added.
He also thanked his mentor, President Rodrigo Duterte, for endorsing his candidacy. In his recent sorties, the President has vouched for the character and integrity of his former top aide, stressing that Go is an “extremely honest” man and a dedicated public servant.
“Malaking bagay po na inindorso tayo ni Pangulong Digong na pinagsilbihan ko sa loob ng mahigit na 20 taon at talagang nakakakilala sa aking pagkatao. Maraming salamat, Pangulong Duterte. Patunay lamang ito na malakas ang paniniwala ng ating mga kababayan sa pagbabagong gusto ng Pangulo,” Go said.
Go however stressed that his recent rise in the survey means he should work harder and continue the service he is doing.
“Ibig sabihin rin po nito ay dapat mas magsipag pa tayo para mas makatulong sa kapwa. Kahit saang sulok, kahit pinakamalayong lugar at pinakamasikip na eskinita ay papasukin ko para lang po matulungan ang mga taong pinaka-nangangailangan ng tulong. Tulad po ng pangako ko sa inyo, ako ang inyong magiging tulay sa Pangulo. Pero gusto ko ring maging tulay ninyo tungo sa tunay na pagbabago para sa ikabubuti ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.
Go’s surge in the rating of senatorial candidates came with just more than a week to go before the start of the campaign period for national candidates in the 2019 midterm elections. Retaining the lead position in the SWS survey is Sen. Grace Poe, followed by Sen. Cynthia Villar in 2nd place, former Sen. Lito Lapid in third place, and Rep. Pia Cayetano in 4th.
Sen. Nancy Binay is in 7th place, while former senators Mar Roxas and Bong Revilla are tied in the 8th-9th place. Completing the “Magic 12” are Sen. Koko Pimentel (10th) and Sen. Bam Aquino (11th).
In running for the Senate, Go’s legislative agenda puts a high priority for improved delivery of health services, including the institutionalization of Malasakit Centers in all provinces and urban centers of the country.
A Malasakit Center brings together in one room all concerned government agencies such as the DOH, DSWD, PAGCOR, PCSO and Philhealth to make it easier and faster for poor patients to avail of medical and financial assistance from the government.
Go’s legislative agenda also includes programs on agriculture, anti-illegal drugs and criminality, education, housing, long-term sports development, anti-corruption, fire protection and prevention, localized peace talks, creation of a Department of OFW, barangay welfare, and improved benefits for senior citizens. (Jun Ledesma)
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