Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Tuesday reiterated his support for Senate leadership that backs pro-poor programs, saying his decision is based on shared priorities, not political loyalty.
In an ambush interview at the Senate on July 9, Go made clear he is ready to support any leader who will champion health care, education, and other social services for poor Filipinos.
“I am for continuity. I just want to work. We just want to join the majority. I’m not choosy when it comes to work. Whoever can help advance our pro-poor programs, that’s who I’ll support,” Go said.
He clarified that his bloc—originally four senators, now seven—will vote as one when it comes to choosing Senate leaders. “We talked within our party that we will vote as a bloc,” he said.
Go stressed that his request to the next Senate President is simple: to ensure the continuity of programs that benefit the poor. “Whoever can help push these programs forward, that’s my only request,” he said.
When asked whether his support for the Senate leadership is linked to the possible impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, Go firmly denied any connection. “That issue was never discussed,” he said.
Go also said committee assignments were not yet discussed, noting that it would be up to the majority leadership. “Wherever they believe we are best suited. Based on my advocacy for the past six years, I’m already satisfied with that,” he said.
He also expressed willingness to work with senators from other political affiliations, including Senators Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino.
“For the country, why not?” Go said. “I’ve always said that if it helps the poor, let’s work. I even told Senator Bam: let’s just do our job for the people.”
He recalled that during the proclamation ceremony, he and Aquino discussed potential cooperation. “I told him, let’s work together on education, health—anything that can help the country.”
Go then shifted the discussion to his long-standing education advocacy. He recalled his active role as Special Assistant to the President in 2017 when he lobbied against a veto of the Free Tertiary Education Act under then-President Rodrigo Duterte.
“One of my priorities is education. This Free Tertiary Education Act, which former President Duterte signed into law, was something I fought hard for. It was almost vetoed, but I really pushed to prevent that,” Go said.
He emphasized the importance of education as an investment in the nation’s youth. “We carry it with us as we grow older. That’s the real capital of the youth.”
As senator, Go has refiled key education-related measures in the 20th Congress. Among them is Senate Bill No. 169, which seeks to expand the coverage of the tertiary education subsidy under RA 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.
Another proposal, Senate Bill No. 176 or the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) Mental Health Services Act, aims to establish mental health offices in every SUC campus to support students, faculty, and staff.
Go said that politics should not get in the way of public service. “Just because you belong to a different party doesn’t mean your priorities should clash,” he said. “What we must always prioritize is the interest of the Filipino people. Regardless of our parties… even if we’re not aligned, at the end of the day, it’s the people’s welfare that comes first.”