Kuya Bong pushes ‘Balik Probinsya’ program

Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go appealed to the administration to reconsider the resumption of the Balik Probinsya program that pushes balance development in the countryside and improves the quality of life in rural communities.

"I am appealing to the executives to continue helping those who wish to go back in the provinces because it is so populated here in Metro Manila," said the senator at the sidelines of distribution of financial assistance and food packs to around 1,330 residents affected by the recent Typhoon "Paeng" in San Antonio, Noveleta, Cavite recently.

Go added that the Department of Social Welfare and Development is also offering financial assistance for those who want to return to their respective provinces.

The senator made these remarks in response to the calls of some applicants who are still waiting for the resumption of the program under the new administration.

To recall, former President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order 114 on 6 May 2020, to institutionalize the BP2 program, with the primary goal of decongesting Metro Manila.

The program provides qualified beneficiaries with hassle-free transactions for travel requirements and received immediate assistance, including transportation allowance, food and emergency cash aid.

It also facilitates the beneficiaries' safe return to their home provinces with the inclusion of long-term assistance provided through a whole-of-government strategy by the concerned agencies.

Meantime, Go also expressed his unequivocal support for the fight against fake news in order to defend the truth and ensure the seamless flow of free and accurate information.

"The proliferation of even just a simple piece of false information can make a significant change to the society," said Go during a hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights tackling Senate Bill 1296 which criminalizes the creation and dissemination of fake news. The measure was introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada.

Saying that he himself has been subjected to misinformation, Go stressed that there is a pressing need to closely look into these issues and protect the freedom accorded to Filipinos by the Constitution without overstepping on the rights of others.

The senator also that the alteration of facts has become rampant and the perpetrators have made it easy to spread these malevolent acts through electronic means, which is why "discerning the truth from lies become more difficult in this day and age."