Go rallies PH accountants in fight vs. Covid-19

By Jose Cielito Reganit

July 4, 2020, 11:24 am

<p>Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go. <em>(File photo)</em></p>

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go. (File photo)

MANILA – Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Friday rallied members of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) to solidify the organization’s role in the government’s whole-of-nation approach in battling the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“As the whole world faces the Covid-19 pandemic, our nation needs the solidarity of organizations like PICPA, now more than ever. Lumalakas lalo ang paniniwala ng ating gobyerno na malalampasan natin ang pagsubok na ito dahil sa kooperasyon ng ating mga kababayan, serbisyo ng ating mga front-liners, at tulong po ng mga organisasyong tulad ng PICPA (The government’s belief that we can overcome this adversity is bolstered by the cooperation of our countrymen, the service of our front-liners and the assistance of organizations like PICPA),” Go said in his speech during PICPA's National Virtual Turn-Over and Induction Ceremonies for Fiscal Year 2020-2021.

Bagama’t magkakaiba tayo ng trabaho, kayo ang accountants, kami naman po ay mga mambabatas, lahat po tayo ay public servants na may kakayahan na makatulong sa bayan upang malampasan ang krisis na ito (Even though we have different professions, you as accountants, and we as lawmakers, we are all public servants who have the capability to help the nation overcome this crisis),” he added.

Go said the government has continuously implemented measures to ease the burdens of Filipinos whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the health crisis, and help the business community gradually recover from the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak.

However, as the government begins carving the path to recovery, he said the help of the private sector, especially organizations like PICPA, plays an important role in fulfilling its mandate to provide quality service to all sectors of society.

Go further said that no matter how difficult the current situation is, cooperation among the various sectors of society is crucial in overcoming the social and economic effects of the health crisis.

Ngayon meron po tayong hinaharap na krisis, importante na magbayanihan ang iba’t-ibang sektor ng lipunan upang maiahon ang ating bansa (In this time of crisis, all sectors of society must cooperate to uplift our country) as we prepare for the new normal and provide our fellow Filipinos hope for a better future,” he said.

On his part as legislator and chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go said he has filed measures to boost the country’s health care services and facilities.

Aside from health-related measures, he said he is also looking into amending the current Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Law that has caused a burden to the country’s professionals, including public accountants.

Go noted that the implementation of the CPD law has made it burdensome to most Filipino professionals since it requires credit units to be taken as a prerequisite in the renewal of their professional licenses.

Isipin nyo, nag-aral na kayo ng ilang panahon, pumasa na kayo sa board exams, patuloy kayong nagtatrabaho, tapos kailangan nyo pang gumastos muli para lang ipagpatuloy ang inyong propesyon (Consider this, you have studied for some time, passed the board exams, and are already working. Yet you still need to spend again just so you can continue your profession),” he said.

Nais po nating mapagaan ang pasakit sa ating mga professionals lalo na sa panahon ng crisis. Layunin natin na maiangat ang antas ng inyong (We want to ease the burden of our professionals, especially in this time of crisis. Our aim is to raise the level of your) professional service minus the added cost and burden caused by the implementation of the CPD law.”

Lastly, Go assured the government’s readiness to serve, with the welfare and interest of the people as its primary consideration.

He said his office is always open to hearing any suggestion or complaint, and ready to act as “bridge” between the people and the government to address the issues.

Magkaisa po tayo (Let us unite). If we work as one, we will heal as one, we will emerge out of this crisis a stronger, more prosperous nation,” Go said. (PNA)

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