Showing his concern for his fellow Davaoeños, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go aided victims of a fire incident in SIR Phase 1, Brgy. 76-A, Bucana, Davao City on Saturday, October 19, where he distributed food packs and some financial assistance to them.
The senator also said that he is providing school supplies and uniforms to affected school children so that they may resume attending their classes immediately.
“Magbibigay din po ako ng uniporme para sa mga bata para hindi maantala ang kanilang pag-aaral,” Go said.
He also offered help to those injured or are suffering from health conditions, saying “Kung kailangan po ninyo ng espesyalista, tutulungan ko po kayong makapagpa-konsulta sa mga doktor.”
The senator also urged them to go to the nearest Malasakit Center where they can avail of medical financial assistance from various government agencies. The Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City, one of the biggest government hospitals in the country, houses one of the earliest Malasakit Centers in the Philippines. There are presently 46 Malasakit Centers nationwide and Go is scheduled to open another one in Tagum City on Monday.
Go was joined by representatives from the National Housing Authority (NHA), Department of Health (DOH), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to provide additional government assistance to the victims.
In an ambush interview, Go said that he seeks to further improve the welfare of senior citizens by institutionalizing Malasakit Centers where express lanes are designated for them.
“Maroon po tayong Republic Act (RA) 11350 na nag-create ng National Commission of Senior Citizens. This ensures the rights and welfare of senior citizens,” said Go.
“Ako naman, isa sa mga advocacy ko ay health, mga Malasakit Centers. Kaya naman nag-file ako ng senate bill institutionalizing Malasakit Centers para hindi na bungi-bungi. Ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno, nasa iisang kwarto na lang. It’s a one-stop shop. May express lane din para sa mga senior citizens at PWDs,” Go said, also detailing the hardships Filipinos had to endure just to avail of government medical assistance.
“Dati, pumipila pa ang mga kababayan natin sa iba’t ibang mga opisina sa ilalim ng sikat ng araw, at sangkatutak na forms pa ang sinasagutan para lamang humingi ng assistance mula sa gobyerno. Ubos na ang pera nila, ubos pa ang panahon nila. Sa Malasakit Center, mas pina-simple na ang proseso. ‘Yang tulong naman na iyan, pera nila ‘yan. Ibinabalik lamang natin sa kanila,” he added.
Asked on updates regarding issues surrounding the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Go said that cases must be filed against those involved.
“Ako, as the Senate Committee on Health chairman, naniniwala ako na dapat kasuhan ang dapat kasuhan, ‘yung mga involved sa fraudulent claims,” Go said.
“Up to the last centavo ng pera ng gobyerno, gamitin sa tao. Lalo na with the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law.”
Meanwhile, despite issues surrounding the Philippine National Police (PNP), Go said that he and President Rodrigo Duterte remain supportive of the police force.
“Ongoing po ang imbestigasyon ng Department of Justice (DOJ) tungkol sa ninja cops issue. Para sa akin, kasuhan ang dapat kasuhan. Ma-dismiss ang dapat ma-dismiss. Sayang ang pulis. Ihiwalay dapat ang bulok para hindi na makahawa pa. Tuluy-tuloy dapat ang internal cleansing,” said Go.
Asked if legislation is needed to reform the PNP, Go said that he will wait for the recommendation of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
“Ako, kung mag-recommend DILG, titingnan ko. Ang Internal Affairs Service (IAS) ng PNP, kailangan pa ng konting ngipin.”
In a light moment during the interview, Go answered questions regarding the President’s recent motorcycle accident.
“Ok naman si Pangulong Duterte. Sabi ko mag-scooter na lang siya. Ang sabi ko punta tayo sa mga nasunugan, mag-scooter na lang tayo. Ok na siya. Walang bali. Salamat sa inyong concern,” Go said.
“Tuluy-tuloy ang trabaho niya kahit anong nangyari. He’s scheduled to leave for Japan on Monday to attend the enthronement of the Japanese emperor. Rare ang ganitong opportunity na mag-turn over ang emperor,” he added. (senate.gov.ph)
