Senator Christopher “Bong” Go opened September 15’s Senate Committee on Sports hearing with an appeal for unity and closer teamwork among all sports stakeholders to accelerate the country’s sports development and uphold the welfare of Filipino athletes.
“We look forward to working with you in the passage of several meaningful legislations in the Committee for the advancement of sports in our country,” Go said as he welcomed officials from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and other sports organizations and stakeholders.
He shared that coordination between the Senate and the House of Representatives is already progressing. “In fact, nakipag-usap po ako sa aking counterpart sa Committee on Sports sa Lower House, kay Chairperson Cong. Mike Dy at, sabi ko kung ano ‘yung mga priority n’yo rin po d’yan, padala n’yo rito, I am willing to support. Kung ano ang makakatulong sa sports, nandirito lamang po ako sa likod,” the senator explained.
Go emphasized that his role goes beyond drafting policies. He expressed his readiness to help bridge differences and keep programs for athletes on track.
“Kung sabi ko nga before, kung mayroong hindi pagkakaintindihan, willing din po akong maging gaya ng ginagawa ko dati, maging referee dito para hindi po ma-hamper ang ating sports, lalong-lalo na ang mga atleta natin pag mayroong mga reklamo,” he said.
He assured sports officials and athletes that the committee offers an open venue for dialogue and cooperation.
“Ulitin ko, you have the avenue, you have this committee for you para sa ating mga atleta at sa ating PSC, sa ating NSA (National Sports Association), sa lahat ng of course sa NAS (National Academy of Sports), lahat po ng ating mga kasamaan sa gobyerno,” Go added.
The senator stressed that the welfare of athletes must always be prioritized and reaffirmed his office’s continued support for their needs. “Unahin lang natin parati ang kapakanan ng ating mga atleta at bukas po ang opisina natin para sa kanila,” he said.
Go also pointed out that working together helps ensure that energy and resources are focused on advancing sports programs.
“’Pag nagsama-sama, nagtatrabaho po ang government sector, private sector, kaya natin. Mas maubos ‘yung panahon d’yan sa hindi pagkakaintindihan. At maapektuhan d’yan ang ating mga athletes dahil sila ‘yung maapektuhan lalung lalo na ‘pag may away sa taasa,” he noted.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Go reaffirmed his office’s openness to collaborate with all stakeholders and to champion legislation that will further elevate Philippine sports.
“Ako naman, ganoon naman ang trabaho ko rito. I am for peace and unity always,” he concluded.