Kuya Bong: Public office is public trust
He stressed that elected officials at the barangay level are the direct point of contact for the public and should not squander the trust given to them
Daily TribuneHe stressed that elected officials at the barangay level are the direct point of contact for the public and should not squander the trust given to them
Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go recently visited residents of Damulog town in Bukidnon province as the lawmaker provided aid and inspected the completed five-story multi-purpose building in the town on 16 September. | Photograph courtesy of SBG
Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go has recently reminded aspiring candidates for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections slated on 30 October that they will play a crucial role once they are elected to office.
At the sidelines of the 159th Malasakit Center launch in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, the lawmaker stressed that those who will be elected should not destroy the trust that were given to them.
"Public office is a public trust. If you are appointed there, don't waste the trust the people have given you," said Go, adding that elected officials at the barangay level are the direct point of contact for the public and should not squander the trust given to them.
"Let's put the interests of the people and the nation first. Let's help our fellow countrymen who are poor, the poor," Go said.
The 2023 BSKE will elect a Punong Barangay, seven members of the Sangguniang Barangay, and the SK chairperson in barangays all throughout the country.
To recall, Go has previously filed Senate Bill 197 or the Magna Carta for Barangays, recognizing the critical role of barangay officials in delivering services from the government.
The senator said he understands the challenges faced by barangay officials, having worked closely with former president Rodrigo Duterte when he was still a mayor.
Under the measure, barangay officials, including the Punong Barangay, members of the Sangguniang Barangay, the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson, the barangay secretary and barangay treasurer, will receive similar treatment as regular government employees. This means they would be eligible for salaries, benefits, and allowances, among other perks.
The senator emphasized that the barangay should automatically receive their share of national taxes which includes funds for the maintenance of barangay roads and bridges, as well as an increased share from real property tax and other collections.
Earlier, Go has co-authored and co-sponsored a Senate bill pushing for the postponement of the December 2022 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. In his co-sponsorship speech, he emphasized that officials at barangay and SK levels need adequate time and continuity to implement and uphold the plans they have devised for their respective jurisdictions.
In other developments, Go said that he supports Vice President Sara Duterte's confidential funds, expressing unwavering trust in her integrity and her capacity to execute initiatives for both the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, all while guaranteeing the responsible utilization of public finances.
