After the rigorous months of campaigning, now is the time to deliver what the Filipino people deserve and expect from government workers they elected — genuine and compassionate public service.
We owe it to the people to remain focused on our work and not let campaign promises end up as mere empty slogans. The country demands commitment that goes beyond words; our people require no less than immediate action. So let us all buckle down to work!
With that, please allow me this brief moment (and space) to express my appreciation to the DAILY TRIBUNE for this venue to connect with the Filipino people and to share with them our stories of service and compassion for one another.
The May 2025 elections brought us a historic mandate from 27 million Filipinos. In all humility, I praise and thank the Almighty for the gift of life and for the opportunity to continue serving our fellow Filipinos.
I want to extend my sincerest gratitude once again to the Filipino people for their unwavering support. Rest assured that I will work diligently and not waste the trust you have placed in me.
My deepest thanks also go to my mentor, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who has consistently reminded me over the years: 'Do what is right and always put the interests of the Filipino people first.'
I am also very grateful to Vice President Sara Duterte for her unwavering support. Your and Tatay Digong’s strong and compassionate leadership will always be an inspiration. I am always one with the whole family, the entire country, in praying that Tatay Digong be finally sent home.
Even before the election season, throughout the 90-day campaign period, and onward to a second consecutive term, your Senator Kuya Bong Go has remained and will always be committed to pushing for laws and programs that will bring government services closer to the people. Our legislative priorities include strengthening our healthcare system, creating more jobs, ensuring food security, more affordable education, and other pro-poor initiatives that are truly beneficial to the people.
Because there is no time to waste, right after my proclamation on 17 May, I immediately went to Tondo, Manila, to visit the victims of a recent fire incident. I led our Malasakit Team in providing basic aid to the affected families.
Just last 29 May, the Legislative-Executive Development Council (LEDAC) resolved to push for the enactment of significant legislations, including those we proposed.
These bills include amendment to the Universal Health Care Act to lower premium contribution rates, of which I am co-author and co-sponsor; the E-Governance Act aimed at improving the efficiency, accessibility, and transparency of government services, which I authored and co-sponsored; the Judicial Fiscal Autonomy, our version of the legislation that seeks to ensure that the proposed budget prepared by the Supreme Court is incorporated in the national budget; the Virology Institute of the Philippines (VIP) bill which we principally authored and co-sponsored, a key initiative that will strengthen the country’s preparedness against health crises; the proposed measure seeking to set the term of office for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials to four years, which I filed in the Senate; and our bill which seeks to ban and declare POGO as illegal, of which I am co-author in the Senate.
Tomorrow, 3 June, I will preside over the 14th public hearing of the Senate Committee on Health on various challenges to the health of our people, including a follow up on many PhilHealth reforms and the reversion of the transferred excess funds of PhilHealth to the national treasury, appeals regarding the Health Emergency Allowance of our health workers during the last COVID-19 pandemic. The Filipino people constantly need updates from PhilHealth on the commitments they forged during our previous hearings. As a health reform advocate, I believe the people deserve not just transparency but also results.
To recall, these commitments include boosting public awareness so that no one is left unaware that under the UHC Law, every Filipino is automatically a member of PhilHealth. Knowing that one is entitled to health benefits is essential in ensuring our people will not be afraid to avail themselves of medical services and will therefore prioritize their health.
Also initially scheduled on 3 June but postponed until 11 June, is the convening of the Senate as the impeachment court to hear the complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte. I stand firm on my previous remarks that, should there be no clear evidence to impeach VP Duterte, there is no reason to prolong the trial. The Filipino people have grown tired of dirty politics and intrigues. What they need is to ensure that they have food on the table, a reliable healthcare system, stable jobs, peace, and order. What they demand is for their elected officials to get down to work and provide immediate, tangible services.
What they need is a Senate that works full time for their rights and welfare.
On 28 May, I attended the National Department of Health Employees’ Association’s 3rd National Convention with National President Dr. Louella Lao, where I highlighted my full support for all health employees. We were invited to the Philippine Councilors’ League - Iloilo Chapter Term-End Assembly by the outgoing President and now Sta. Barbara, Iloilo Vice Mayor-elect Ramon Monsik Sullano.
On 31 May, we spoke via video call with our kababayans abroad on several occasions concerning Tatay Digong and Vice President Sara Duterte, namely, the “Trip to The Hague”, organized by PDP-LABAN United Kingdom and United Filipino Global-UK, through the invitation from Emily Barrameda; the “Bring Him Home Advocacy Day”, victory party, and VP Sara Duterte's birthday celebration, all initiated by the group DDS Sydney.
Meanwhile, our Malasakit Team aided 85 fire victims in Parañaque City, 27 beneficiaries from Muntinlupa City, and 563 in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, with Mayor Egay San Luis; and 27 victims of Tropical Depression Kabayan in Caraga, Davao Oriental, who also received additional aid from the national government to rebuild their homes.
We then provided additional assistance to two families with totally damaged houses in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, who also received one-time post-disaster shelter assistance to help them rebuild their homes through a national government program that I had pushed for and advocated for. The same assistance was provided to 529 beneficiaries from Casiguran, accompanied by Board Member-elect Jennifer Araña, and 132 from Dilasag, with Mayor Lea Gorospe, both in Aurora Province.
As your Mr. Malasakit, I believe that there is no better time than now to help each other the best way we can, for we only have this one chance in life. As always, bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos.