CAVITE — Former Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Tuesday cited the need to empower barangays by allowing them to hire more tanods (village watchmen) as they need.
“Minsan, kulang talaga ang tanod para mapanatili ang kapayapaan at kaayusan sa isang lugar, lalong-lalo na sa mga malalaking barangay at sa mga lugar na sadyang mas maraming kaso ng droga at krimen,” Go said during the Ugnayan sa Barangay event held at Barangay Queens Row Central in Bacoor City, Cavite.
Go said he acknowledges that the maximum allowable number of tanods per barangay, currently limited by existing laws, may be inadequate to tackle the needs of various communities.
Go is also pushing for a Magna Carta for Barangay Officials that he vows to push for in the Senate.
For barangay workers and officials, Go said they deserve to have the same benefits that other government employees receive.
“Plano kong asikasuhin na mabigyan kayo ng tamang suweldo at mga benepisyo para mapadali ang pagharap ninyo sa mga pangangailangan ng tao,” Go said.
Go was welcomed by the entourage of former Cavite Governor Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla, Bacoor City Mayor Lani Mercado-Revilla, other provincial government officials, local leaders, and residents of Bacoor city.
Apart from discussing the needs of those serving their barangays, Go said a Malasakit Center will soon be opened in Cavite to serve local patients in need of quick medical and financial assistance.
“Magkakaroon talaga kayo ng Malasakit Center dito sa Cavite,” Go told event attendees.
“Kung may Malasakit Center na po kayo sa loob ng ospital, sa iisang kuwarto, (naroon) na po ‘yung representative ng DOH, DSWD, PAGCOR PSCO, at PhilHealth,” Go added.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop initiative started by the former presidential aide and President Rodrigo Duterte where affordable and quality healthcare services are made accessible to everyone.
In the center, satellite offices of Philhealth, DOH, DSWD, PCSO, and other relevant government agencies are housed in one location, making application and processing faster and easier for patients in need.
Iff elected tothe Senate, Go said he would legislate for the establishment of Malasakit Centers in more provinces and urban centers throughout the country.
Go also guaranteed local officials and residents of Barangay Queens Row Central that he would continue serving as the people’s link to President Duterte.
“Gaya ng sinabi ni Governor Remulla, ako po ‘yung maging tulay ninyo kay Pangulong Duterte,” Go said.
“Asahan niyo po, ‘yung Cavite po, pagdating ng panahon, di po kayo mapapabayaan: sa proyekto, sa atensyon, sa lahat po,” Go added.
Among the former presidential aide’s legislative agenda include programs on agriculture, housing, improved health service delivery, education, long-term sports development, localized peace talks, anti-drug and crime drive, anti-corruption drive, fire protection and prevention, creation of a Department of OFWs, as well as the creation of an office for senior citizen concerns. (PR)
