Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally filed 10 new priority measures this week, reinforcing his commitment to bring government services closer to underserved and vulnerable Filipinos.
Filed during the second week of the First Regular Session of the 20th Congress, the proposals aim to institutionalize swift and inclusive support programs for sectors that are often sidelined in policymaking — including health workers, educators, para-athletes, senior citizens, informal settlers, and Filipinos without legal identity.
One of the key proposals seeks to establish an Advanced Nursing Education Program, amending the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002 to give Filipino nurses access to graduate-level education and specialized clinical training.
A bill upgrading benefits for para-athletes was also filed. Go, a long-time sports development advocate, emphasized the need for equity: the measure ensures that rewards for para-athletes match those received by other athletes in international competitions.
To address the country’s persistent legal identity gap, Go filed a Delayed Birth Registration Bill, citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showing around 3.7 million Filipinos remain unregistered. The measure mandates proactive efforts by local civil registries to ensure timely registration.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go also filed a bill to institutionalize the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program.
“This proposed measure seeks to reduce, if not eliminate, out-of-pocket expenditures of indigent and poor patients,” said Go.
The bill requires funds to be allocated at the start of each fiscal year across all DOH hospitals and specialty centers to ensure continuous aid.
In the education sector, Go filed a measure granting a monthly allowance for teaching and non-teaching personnel in public basic education schools, citing their crucial role in shaping the nation.
Meanwhile, a bill proposing the establishment of the Philippine Senior Citizens Hospital and Research Institute aims to provide comprehensive geriatric care and advance research in aging and elderly wellness.
Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), who often serve without tenure or proper compensation, would be granted formal recognition, just pay, and job security under the proposed Magna Carta for Barangay Healthcare Workers.
Two sports-focused bills were also filed: one seeking to institutionalize the Philippine National Games (PNG) as a grassroots competition under the Philippine Sports Commission, and another to formally establish the OFW Hospital under the Department of Migrant Workers.
Go emphasized that the OFW Hospital would not only provide symbolic support but real infrastructure, including 24/7 telehealth services.
Finally, a Rental Housing Subsidy Program bill aims to help informal settlers and displaced families transition into formal housing while ensuring temporary shelter during calamities.
“I hope for the support of my colleagues in the Senate to pass these measures that aim to bring government services closer to the people and ensure no Filipino is left behind,” said Go.“Hard work, compassion, and more public service — that’s what I can offer to my fellow Filipinos,” he concluded.
These 10 measures follow a previous batch of 10 bills filed at the start of the 20th Congress, covering education, healthcare, jobs, mental health, and disaster resilience.