Jobs and food first: Bong Go reinforces legislative focus

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated his commitment to job creation and food security, citing them as enduring priorities in his legislative agenda. Speaking on the need to support Filipino workers and farmers, Go stressed the urgency of economic and food stability in improving daily life for ordinary citizens.

“Kung gusto nating maiangat ang buhay ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino, kailangan nating tutukan ang trabaho at pagkain. Realidad ito para sa mga kababayan natin,” said Go.

("If we want to uplift the lives of every Filipino family, we need to focus on jobs and food. This is the reality for our fellow countrymen.")

Go is co-author and co-sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2534, which proposes a P100 daily wage hike for private sector employees. He said the measure aims to ease the impact of inflation and enhance the purchasing power of workers.

“Napakarami pa ring manggagawa ang hirap makatawid sa pang-araw-araw. Dapat natin silang tulungan — sila ang haligi ng ating ekonomiya,” he added.

("Many workers are still struggling to get by each day. We need to help them — they are the backbone of our economy.")

To tackle unemployment, particularly in rural and disaster-prone areas, Go filed Senate Bill No. 420 or the "Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP)," designed to provide temporary jobs for displaced and seasonal workers. He also authored Senate Bill No. 1707 to improve compensation and protection for social workers, emphasizing their frontline role during crises.

“Kapag may krisis, sila ang una nating nilalapitan. Kaya dapat lang na may sapat silang kinikita at proteksyon,” Go said.

("When there’s a crisis, they’re the first ones we turn to. That’s why they deserve fair pay and proper protection.")

He also addressed the evolving labor landscape through Senate Bill No. 2107 or the "Freelance Workers Protection Bill," which seeks to mandate formal contracts and fair compensation for independent workers. Complementing this is Senate Bill No. 1184, which guarantees rights and benefits for delivery riders.

Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, continues to advocate for farmer support. He co-authored Republic Act No. 11901, or the "Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development Financing Enhancement Act of 2022," which increases access to rural credit. He also co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11953, or the "New Agrarian Emancipation Act," which wrote off debts of agrarian reform beneficiaries.

“Hindi sapat na pasalamatan lang natin ang ating mga magsasaka. Kailangan nating siguraduhin na may suporta silang natatanggap, lalo na pag may bagyo o tagtuyot,” Go said.

("It's not enough to simply thank our farmers. We need to make sure they receive the support they need, especially during typhoons or droughts.")

“Kailangan happy ang mga farmers natin. Kaagapay natin sila sa pagsisikap na walang magutom na pamilyang Pilipino,” he added.

("Our farmers need to be happy. They are our partners in the effort to ensure that no Filipino family goes hungry.")

Go also filed Senate Bills No. 2117 and 2118 to strengthen and expand crop insurance coverage, particularly for farmers in disaster-prone areas.

“Hindi po ako isang politiko na mangangako sa inyo. Gagawin ko lang po ang aking trabaho sa abot ng aking makakaya. Ituring niyo po akong para ninyong kapitbahay na bawat oras ay pwede ninyong lapitan,” he said.

("I'm not a politician who will make you promises. I'll simply do my job to the best of my ability. Think of me as your neighbor—someone you can approach anytime.")

A recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, commissioned by the Stratbase Group, showed that 93 percent of Filipinos are more likely to support candidates who prioritize job creation and food security — issues Go has consistently championed in the Senate.