MANILA -- An organization of leagues of local governments has issued a resolution endorsing former Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence "Bong” Go for senator.
In a statement, the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) said Go is a humble and simple man with an enormous heart for public service capable of a senatorial position.
“He [Bong Go] has exemplified the highest level of trustworthiness, dependability and sense of sacrifice in both his personal and professional capacities as he served the President and the country,” the resolution stated.
“Bong is always ready to exercise firmness, and decisiveness as appropriate, he never misses a chance to demonstrate empathy, compassion, and ‘malasakit’ to those who are in need,” it added.
The resolution, which was issued on November 8, was signed by ULAP Secretary General and Davao City Councilor Danny Dayanghirang and ULAP National President and Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara.
ULAP is an umbrella organization of all leagues of local government units (LGUs) and locally elected government officials.
Moreover, the Philippine Councilors League (PCL), League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), and CARAGA governors also issued separate resolutions expressing their support for Go in the upcoming senatorial race.
According to Dayanghirang, Go can be the voice of local government officials in the Senate due to his extensive experience in local governance.
“From being the long time aide of former Mayor Duterte, as well as his experience as Special Assistant to the President, he sees the problem on ground, he can use these experiences to push for laws that will uplift the lives of poor Filipinos,” Dayanghirang said.
In recent interviews, Go said he will push for the legislative agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte and will bring the fight for real and genuine change in the Senate.
Go said he sees his experience working under Duterte for so long as his strength in understanding and addressing the real problems of ordinary Filipinos.
“Marami akong sisilipin na mga batas, yung ibang batas na natutulog; kaya sabi ko mas kapa ko at alam ko ang nangyayari sa baba. Nasa executive ako for the past 20 years. Ramdam ko kung ano yung totoong napapatupad na batas. Akin itong sisilipin at i-improve kung sakaling palarin maging senador,” he said.
Go has also been instrumental in pushing for the Malasakit Centers to make quality healthcare more accessible to Filipinos.
There are currently fifteen (15) cities with existing Centers: Cebu, Tacloban, Iloilo, Bacolod, Puerto Princesa, Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Manila, Maasin, Dumaguete, Davao, Pampanga, Tagbilaran, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, and Legazpi.
“Sa Malasakit center, hindi na dapat mahihirapan ang mga tao sa pagkuha ng assistance mula gobyerno,” he said.
He addes that the Malasakit concept should be applied in all aspects of governance to make it easier for people to avail of programs and services that will uplift their lives.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop program of President Duterte to hasten the delivery of medical services and give poor patients access to free medicine. A fast lane prioritizing the senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) is also available. (PR)
