Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and former President Rodrigo Duterte met with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong over the weekend as part of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino’s (PDP) engagement with migrant communities ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.

The event, organized by the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) in collaboration with various OFW groups from Hong Kong and Macau, provided a platform for dialogue between Filipino migrant workers and the Duterte Senatorial Slate.

Addressing the crowd, Go reaffirmed his commitment to OFWs, emphasizing the values of loyalty and gratitude within the Filipino community.

"Tayong mga Bisaya, pare-pareho tayong may prinsipyo. Ang utang na loob, hindi natin nakakalimutan. Kaya nandito ako ngayon,” he said.

("We Visayans all share the same principles. We never forget our debts of gratitude. That’s why I’m here today.")

Go outlined his legislative efforts to support OFWs, particularly Republic Act No. 11641, which established the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to consolidate government services for Filipinos working abroad. The law, signed by Duterte in December 2021, aimed to streamline assistance for OFWs by bringing various agencies under one department.

Go also underscored his commitment to accessible healthcare, particularly through Malasakit Centers, which provide medical and financial assistance to indigent patients. As the principal author of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, he ensured the program’s sustainability. To date, there are 167 Malasakit Centers nationwide, benefiting over 17 million Filipinos, according to the DOH.

"Ang hirap na mawalay sa pamilya at mangibang bansa para lang bigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang kanilang mga anak. Kaya nandito po kami para magmalasakit sa inyo at ipakita na hindi namin kayo pababayaan,” Go said.

("It's difficult to be separated from family and work abroad just to give your children a better future. That's why we are here — to care for you and show that we will not abandon you.")

To improve healthcare services at the community level, he also advocated for the establishment of Super Health Centers across the country. Through collaboration with DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, legislators, and local government units, more than 700 Super Health Centers are set to be built nationwide.

Meanwhile, Duterte expressed strong support for Go, praising his dedication, intelligence, and financial expertise.

"Ito ‘yung si Bong Go. Noon, for the longest time, nakikita n’yo, mayor ako, ito ‘yung aide ko," Duterte said, recalling how Go started as his trusted assistant before becoming a senator.

("This is Bong Go. For the longest time, you saw me as mayor, and he was my aide.")

The former president recounted how Go volunteered to work for him following the death of his previous aide, a military officer.

"First aide (ko) was a military man... Kabarkada niya, namatay. Tapos sabi niya, kung wala pa akong kapalit, many years ago, nag-volunteer siya. Sabi ko, sige,” Duterte shared.

("My first aide was a military man... His close friend. He passed away. Then Bong Go said that if I hadn’t found a replacement yet, he would volunteer. That was many years ago. So I said, ‘Alright.’")

He also emphasized Go’s sharp mind and trustworthiness in handling finances.

"Pero mahusay... Senator Bong Go, walang ano. Ito bright ito. Bright talaga ito. Magkwenta ito sa ano, ‘yung mga finances namin, gano’n. Hindi na kailangan gumamit ng calculator,” Duterte said.

("But he's really good... Senator Bong Go, no doubt about it. He's very bright, really bright. He handles our finances and all that. He doesn't even need a calculator.")

As he continues his legislative work, Go reiterated his commitment to healthcare, migrant workers’ rights, agriculture, and youth development.

"Tandaan natin, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” Go said.

("Let us remember that we only pass through this world once. Whatever kindness or help we can offer to others, let us do it now because we will not have another chance to return to this world.")

"Ako ang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go, patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po yan sa Diyos,” he concluded.

("I am your Senator, Kuya Bong Go, and I will continue to serve all of you because serving has become my passion. I truly believe that serving the people is serving God.")