Senate to 'solidify' support for admin agenda: Go

DAVAO CITY -- Senator-elect Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go on Thursday assured the public that the new Senate will seek improved working relations with the executive branch to fulfill the priority agenda of the Duterte administration.

However, Go, who will reportedly get the Senate committees on health, urban planning, housing and resettlements, vowed to remain independent as a senator while acting as a bridge between the legislative and executive branches of government when necessary.

"Maganda na ma-solidify ang suporta ng Senado sa legislative agenda ni Pangulong Duterte para maisabatas ang mga magagandang pagbabago na nais natin mangyari sa bansa (It would be better for the Senate to solidify support for President Rodrigo Duterte’s legislative agenda to put in place the positive changes that we want for the country)," he said in an emailed statement sent to the local media Thursday.

Go said the meeting among the senators that took place at the residence of Senator Manny Pacquiao on Wednesday evening discussed, among others, ways to improve their working relations.

“Importante na makapagtulungan kami para maisakatuparan ang aming mga adbokasiya at mga ipinangako noong kampanya para sa ikabubuti ng ating kapwa Pilipino (It is important that we support one another to fulfill our advocacies and our promises to our fellowmen during the election campaign),” he said.

Go also made assurances that the senators are committed to respect the tradition of "equity of incumbents."

“We, as newly-elected senators, respect the tradition of ‘equity of incumbents’ and we appreciate how the senior senators have been very accommodating with our requests and concerns," he said.

Go also said the Senate, as a collegial body, will respect the decision of the majority when it comes to committee chairmanships.

During the election campaign, Go pushed for the establishment of Malasakit Centers across the country to enable poor and indigent Filipinos to avail of medical assistance from the government.

He also said he will actively work to fulfill the President's promise to give teachers a salary increase.
Go said he will likewise push for sports development as an effective tool for the youth to stay away from illegal drugs, corruption, and criminality. (PNA)