SBG rejects election talks, to focus on pandemic crisis

SENATOR Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go, firmly rejected answering questions related to the 2022 national elections and instead called on the media and the public to first focus on ways for the country to move forward despite the ongong COVID-19 pandemic.

“Huwag muna tayo mag-usap ng pulitika, napakatagal pa ‘yang pulitikang ‘yan at ‘di pa po makakatulong ‘yan sa panahong ito.

Importante po malagpasan natin ito,” Go remarked, after paying a visit to the victims of Typhoon Ulysses in Bulacan last week where he also helped in the distribution of relief goods.

Among the places he visited were the towns of Baliuag, Sta. Maria and Guiguinto on December 8, 2020.

Go said while there is “no doubt” that he would support Pres. Duterte and Duterte’s daughter, Davao City mayor, Sara Duterte in the 2022 elections, the moment is not yet ripe for electioneering.

Go reiterated that protecting and saving the lives of the Filipino people is what is important to him right now given the threats of COVID-19, the series of calamities, and various crises being faced by the country.

Go again stressed that the poor and vulnerable sectors, as well as the frontliners against the pandemic shall be prioritized once a vaccine against the virus is made available.

“Kami naman ni Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte, kapag mayro’n nang vaccine na available at nadeklarang safe na po ito ay uunahin namin ang mga mahihirap at ‘yung mga vulnerable sector,” he said.

Until then, the senator encouraged the public to continue adhering to the health and safety protocols, such as wearing masks and face shields, observing social distancing and frequent hand washing, among others, to prevent the further spread of the virus.

At the Senate the following day, Go, vice chair of the Senate Finance Committee, lauded his colleagues in both chambers of Congress for ratifying the Bicameral Committee report on the proposed 2021 national budget totaling to PhP4.5 trillion.

Go described the 2021 national budget as “focused on addressing the COVID-19 crisis, boosting economic recovery, and continuing the priority programs and projects of the Duterte administration towards fulfilling the promise of President Duterte of providing a comfortable life for all Filipinos.”

Go added that the ratified budget includes an appropriated amount for the purchase of COVID-19 vaccine, and an unprogrammed appropriation which could also be used for this purpose.

“Among others, meron na appropriated amount na PhP2.5 Billion for the purchase ng COVID-19 vaccine, plus another PhP70 Billion as unprogrammed appropriation na puwedeng magamit rin po dito,” he said.

He further explained that on top of the 2021 budget and the amount allocated through the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act intended for direct procurement of COVID-19 vaccines, there are other various modes of procurement for the vaccines that the government is exploring.

“Other equally important modes include multilateral loans with the ADB and World Bank, bilateral loans with select countries, and private sector financing through tripartite agreement among the national government, pharmaceutical company and a private company, with no cost to the government,” he added.

Go also noted that at least six more task forces have been created by the government to address all issues related to the government’s vaccination program for COVID-19.

The solon also reminded government agencies to spend their budgets properly and that the services for which they are intended must reach their intended beneficiaries.

“Uulitin ko po, lagi kong paalala sa ating mga executive agencies — siguraduhin natin na magagamit ang pera ng bayan sa tama, siguraduhin natin na makakarating ang tulong sa mga nangangailangan at pinaka-apektado nating mga kababayan po sa ngayon at walang inaasahan kundi ang ating gobyerno.

“At siguraduhin natin na walang pinipiling oras ang ating pagtulong at pagserbisyo sa bayan,” Go reminded them.