DAVAO CITY (May 22) — Senator-elect Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go headed to the fire victims of Barangay 49, District 2 of Caloocan City right after the proclamation rites in Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) today in Pasay City riding his motorcycle and wearing a simple red polo shirt.
Few analysts remarked about Go’s informal attire, after being spotted wearing a simple red polo shirt and maong pants. They noted that this speaks of his people-centered, service-oriented advocacies.
“Sanay naman po tayo (sa simpleng pananamit). Hindi ko naman po alam na magkakaroon ng proclamation ngayon. Pauwi na po ako dapat ng Davao, ito lang po ang inaantay ko, ang proclamation,” Go said in an ambush interview.
When asked about why he was wearing a simple polo shirt unlike the other newly elected senators, Go said he prepared to visit around 480 individuals that were affected by the fire that took place in Caloocan last May 14.
“Gaya ng pinangako ko po noon, pagkatapos ng proklamasyon, pupunta po ako sa mga eskinita, sa sunog. So pupuntahan ko po yung nasunugan sa Caloocan. Kasi noon pinagbawalan nila ako pumunta sa mga nasunugan, kasi campaign period. Sabi ko, Bakit natin ipagkakait ang tulong sa ating mga kapatid?”
Go also assured the residents that he will communicate with various government agencies like DSWD, PAGCOR, PCSO, and NHA to deliver additional assistance to the fire victims.
Go believes that as a legislator, he can also focus on the delivery of constituency services. He will continue to visit areas that are hard to be reached to listen to people’s concerns.
“Hindi ko po matiis na nakaupo lang diyan sa Senado at hindi puntahan ang ating mga kababayan na kailangan ng tulong. Kailangan marinig ang kanilang mga hinaing at problema. Sabi ko, bababa talaga ako sa lahat ng eskinita ng Pilipinas,” Go said in an ambush interview during his visit to the fire victims.
Among others, Go plans to put up an extension office in Visayas and Mindanao for the people to have easier access in his office.
“I will not limit myself for being a legislator. Gusto ko aksyon, trabaho, serbisyo agad. Gusto ko talaga bigyan sila ng serbisyo na hands-on.” Go said.
Prior the campaign period, it can be remembered that Go took the time to visit and comfort fire victims during several fire incidents. He noted that he wants to personally listen to the concerns of the fire victims to determine the real situation on the ground and to find out their immediate needs that must be addressed.
“Kagaya ng aking pangako, serbisyo na agad ako. Handa na po akong magserbisyo sa mga kapatid nating Pilipino,” said Go.
One of the priority concerns in Go’s legislative agenda is to promote fire protection and prevention, including the the review of issuance of building permits by the Bureau of Fire Protection and the establishment of permanent, safe and dedicated evacuation centers with adequate supplies and facilities for evacuees.
Go noted that schools are often used as temporary shelters for victims, hence, disrupting classes.
“Isa rin po sa aking priority itong Department of Disaster Resilience para tugunan ang mga hindi natin inaasahang bagyo, lindol, itong mga sunog. Panahon na rin para magkaroon ng maayos na evacuation centers,” Go said.
Apart from providing help to fire survivors, Bong Go joined TODA drivers and operators in a boodle fight. He ate home-cooked food with them, traded stories, and expressed solidarity with them in trying to earn a decent living legally and drug-free.
“Magtulungan po tayo para mapaganda ang ating bansa. Labanan po natin ang iligal na droga, korapsyon at kriminalidad. Kahit nasa Senado na po ako, patuloy nating tulungan si Pangulong Duterte. Wala po tayong ibang hangarin kundi ang kabutihan ng kapwa nating Pilipino,” he said. –NewsLine.ph
