SBG to throw support behind ‘continuity’

SENATOR Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go, said that any candidate in next year’s presidential election can expect his full support provided he or she committed to “continue the change that President Duterte has started in line with providing a more comfortable life for all Filipinos.”

Go made the assurance during his visit last September 24, 2021, at the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center, Cotabato City, as he also reiterated his repeated stand that he is not interested in seeking the presidency despite the endorsement from a faction of the PDP-Laban as far back as last July.

“Kung ano po ‘yung makakabuti at sino po ‘yung makakapagpatuloy ng inumpisahang pagbabago ng ating Pangulo susuportahan ko po ‘yon,” he said.

Go also said that he remains focused on his job to serve Filipinos in every way he can regardless of position.

“Alam n’yo paulit-ulit na po ‘yang tanong na ‘yan (his seeking the presidency).

“Sumulat na po ako sa PDP-Laban, sa partido namin bago pa po ‘yung convention kung saan po ni-nominate nila si Pangulong Duterte at ako,” said Go.

“Sumulat na po ako na huwag na lang po akong isama sa nomination. Dahil unang-una, hindi nga po ako interesadong tumakbo dahil alam ko po ‘yung hirap ng trabaho ng isang pangulo,” he added.

He, however, thanked the public for the continued high trust they are giving him and President Rodrigo Duterte. He then said that he leaves his political fate to God, the Dutertes, and the Filipino people.

“Salamat po sa mga nagtitiwala sa amin ni Pangulong Duterte. Salamat po sa inyong tiwala. Kayo po ang nagbibigay lakas sa akin na makapagtrabaho pa po.

“So let me repeat, I leave my fate to God, kay Allah kung ano man po ang plano Niya sa akin. Kung ano man po ang destiny na saan po ako dadalhin,” said Go.

Regardless what happens in 2022, Go said that he will fulfill his mission of serving the Filipinos, especially in helping them overcome the pandemic.

Go also emphasized that he would rather focus on helping the government come up with solutions on how to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

“So, hindi pa rin nagbabago ang isip ko, hindi pa rin po ako interesado. Pero antayin na lang po natin ‘yung October 8 kung ano po ‘yung pinal na magiging desisyon ng mga Dutertes at ano po ‘yung magiging plano ng partido,” said Go, referring to the last day of the filing of the certificate of candidacy for those seeking an elective position in next year’s national elections.

During his visit, Go also praised the frontline healthcare workers of the hospital as he also recognized their contributions in the national campaign against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Naaalala ko nung pumunta ako dito para buksan ang 16th Malasakit Center sa bansa.

“Ako po’y natutuwa na since then meron na tayong 141 sa buong Pilipinas! Nagpapasalamat ako kay Mayor [Frances Guiani-Sayadi] and Dr. [Ishmael Dimaren] para sa inisyatibo ninyo na magpatayo ng building para maging mas komportable ang ating mga kababayan,” said Go.

Go personally opened the hospital’s ‘Malasakit Center’ during a visit last November 19, 2018. The center is a one-stop shop which provides quick and convenient access to the medical assistance programs of the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

In his message to the hospital staff, the senator reminded them to prioritize the poor and underserved communities that have been hit hardest by the pandemic.

He also pledged to extend all necessary forms of support so that the CRMC would have the resources it needs to provide the best quality of care possible to its patients.