Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go welcomed the approval on third and final reading of Senate Bill 155, which seeks to simplify documentary requirements for Filipinos applying for government financial assistance.

The measure aims to remove procedural requirements that often delay assistance to poor and vulnerable applicants, particularly during medical emergencies, disasters and other crises.

“It is important to bring government services closer to the people, especially to those who have very little in life. We should remove unnecessary and overly long processes that delay the delivery of quality service,” Go said.

As a co-author of the bill, Go said government assistance should be accessible when it is most needed and not hindered by excessive paperwork.

He said many Filipinos seeking financial aid are already burdened by illness and hardship and should not face additional obstacles to prove eligibility.

“If we want to seriously address the problem, faster processes must go hand in hand with assistance. Government aid should not add to the burden of our people,” he said.

Go said simplifying requirements would allow government agencies to respond more quickly to urgent needs while maintaining accountability and safeguards.

He also cited Republic Act 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which he authored and sponsored, institutionalizing one-stop centers for medical assistance. The Department of Health has reported that 167 Malasakit Centers are operating nationwide and have assisted more than 17 million Filipinos.

Go said the passage of Senate Bill No. 155 is a step toward streamlining bureaucracy and improving access to government services.

“I will continue to support initiatives that speed up services for our fellow Filipinos,” he said.