PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has expressed his appreciation for the country’s law enforcement officers for fulfilling their mandate despite the various challenges being faced by their communities. He highlighted this during his visit to Valenzuela City on Tuesday, April 19 to respond to the needs of fire victims.

In his message during the activity, Go commended law enforcers as they were able to rebuild public trust and improve their image in the public eye during the term of President Rodrigo Duterte through their dedication to serve and values of discipline and integrity.

“Ngayon po, ang mga pulis natin, iginagalang, nirerespeto at nalalapitan. Hindi po magiging successful ang kampanya laban sa kriminalidad, at ilegal na droga kung hindi po dahil sa tulong ng ating mga pulis, 'yung pulis ngayon nalalapitan,” said Go.

“Kaya dinoble po ni Pangulong Duterte ang sahod nila dahil para mas magsipag pa at makapagserbisyo po sa inyo,” he added.

Go, who served as Special Assistant to the President from 2016 to 2018, was instrumental during the start of Duterte’s term in liaising with legislators then in pushing for the increase in salaries of uniformed personnel as promised by Duterte.

The senator also shared that he has filed Senate Bill No. 393 to provide free legal assistance to police and military officers, explaining that law enforcers sometimes hesitate to implement the full force of the law, fearing harassment from powerful personalities who may file cases against them in connection with the performance of their official duties.

Meanwhile, Go led the distribution of aid for fire victims in three events held at the Malinta Elementary, Junior and Senior High Schools. Go’s team handed out food packs, masks, vitamins, shirts, and meals to 758 families. Other families will receive the same assistance after the validation being conducted by the LGU in coordination with concerned agencies.

Go also provided shoes, bicycles, watches, sports balls, and computer tablets to select individuals to help them recover and rebuild after being victimized by the fire incident.

Meanwhile, line agencies were on ground to also assist the fire victims. Representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development separately extended financial support through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program. The Department of Health also distributed vitamins and medicines while the Department of Agriculture distributed vegetables. The National Housing Authority and Department of Trade and Industry assessed those eligible for its housing programs and livelihood programs, respectively.

Moreover, representatives from the National Bureau of Investigation also distributed rice to the victims as part of their outreach efforts and offered to extend its services if needed.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go underscored the need for the eligible residents to be inoculated and boosted against COVID-19 to safeguard themselves and their respective communities from the virus.

Although vaccination remains voluntary, Go once again urged those qualified to get jabbed, noting how the government’s national vaccination program has significantly helped in the decline of active COVID-19 cases in the country.

“May pakiusap lang po kami ni Pangulong Duterte sa inyo, kung hindi pa kayo bakunado, magpabakuna na ho kayo. Ang bakuna po ang tanging susi o solusyon para makabalik na tayo sa normal nating pamumuhay,” urged Go.

Continuing his remarks, he urged those with health concerns to visit any of the 31 Malasakit Centers across Metro Manila, including those at Valenzuela Medical Center and Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital, if they need help with their medical expenses.

Designed to assist poor and indigent Filipinos, the Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where all relevant agencies are brought together under one roof to ensure that medical assistance programs are within the patients’ reach. The Malasakit Centers program has successfully assisted more than three million Filipinos with 151 operational centers nationwide. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act.

The senator then lauded the local government officials for ensuring that their respective communities are well-supported and for keeping their constituents safe especially amid the ongoing health crisis.

“‘Totoo po 'yung sinabi ko sa inyo. Huwag niyo po akong tawaging Senador, ‘Bong Go’ lang po. Kalabitin niyo lang po akong parang kapitbahay niyo lang po ako. Ako po'y probinsyano na taga-Davao, taga-Mindanao na binigyan po kami ni Pangulong Duterte ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo sa inyo,” said Go.

“Huwag po kayong magpasalamat sa amin, kami po ang magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan niyo kami ng pagkakataon kaya ibabalik namin sa inyo ang serbisyo po na para sa inyo, magseserbisyo po kami,” he ended.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go supported several initiatives in Metro Manila, including the construction of a seven-story Valenzuela Center for Academic Excellence, acquisition of ambulance, and funding for equipment and medical supplies for the Valenzuela Medical Center in Valenzuela City. (OSBG)