Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, reaffirmed his strong backing for uniformed personnel and key government reforms towards their welfare during the graduation of the Public Safety Officers Advance Course (PSOAC) “Lex Aegis” Class of 2024–32 on Friday, June 27, in Davao City.
Speaking before 58 graduates, Go emphasized his continuing legislative work while urging law enforcers to “just do what is right” — a guiding principle instilled by former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Isa lang naman po ang paalala ko sa pulis, at ito po ay natutunan ko kay dating Pangulong Duterte: Just do what is right. Gawin n’yo lang po ‘yung tama. Unahin n’yo ‘yung interes ng bayan, unahin n’yo po ‘yung interes ng bawat Pilipino. Hindi po kayo magkakamali.”
Addressing the graduates, Go celebrated their perseverance and reminded them of the meaning behind their class name.
“Today marks the culmination of your sacrifices, discipline, and dedication to your duty as protectors of peace and order in our country. The name of your class, Lex Aegis — which means ‘the law as a shield’ — is very fitting. It reminds us that the law must not only be enforced but must also serve as a source of protection for the people.”
Go has been a steadfast advocate for the welfare of uniformed personnel, consistently pushing for reforms that recognize their service and improve their working conditions.
During the Duterte administration, Go played a crucial role in pushing for salary increases for military and other uniformed personnel, emphasizing that better compensation is a fitting tribute to their dedication to the country. He also recalled the salary increase for uniformed personnel under Duterte’s term, saying it was a hard-fought commitment.
“Noong naging presidente siya, sabi niya, ‘Unahin ang pulis para maipatupad ang kampanya laban sa kriminalidad.’ … Finally — natuloy po ‘yan. Sa entry position pa lang, doble na ang sahod ng ating mga uniformed personnel. Hindi lang po pulis — kasama rin po ang BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection), BJMP (Bureau of Jail Management and Penology), AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), at PCG (Philippine Coast Guard). And you deserve it po.”
His advocacy for uniformed personnel extends to key legislative measures aimed at enhancing their legal protections, career opportunities, and overall well-being.
Reflecting on his legislative efforts, Go cited several laws that aim to uplift the welfare and capabilities of public safety officers. These include laws addressing legal support, qualifications, and ranks in law enforcement.
“Ako po ay principal author ng Republic Act No. 12177 o ang Free Legal Assistance to MUPs Act, na nag-uutos sa gobyerno na magbigay ng libreng legal assistance sa mga uniformed personnel kapag sila ay may kaso kaugnay ng kanilang tungkulin,” shared Go.
“Ako rin po ay co-author ng Republic Act No. 11549, na nagbaba ng minimum height requirement para sa Philippine National Police (PNP) at iba pang ahensya. At binago rin po ng gobyerno ang rank classification ng PNP sa pamamagitan ng Republic Act No. 11200,” he added citing his co-authorship to such relevant measures.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go also took the opportunity to report on his three flagship health programs: the Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers, and Regional Specialty Centers.
Malasakit Centers are one-stop shops aiming to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.
The Department of Health (DOH) reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more than 17 million Filipinos.
“Ngayon po, meron na tayong 167 Malasakit Centers sa buong Pilipinas na handang tumulong sa ating mga kababayan… Kung meron po kayong mga pasyente na nangangailangan ng tulong… meron pong Malasakit Center dito sa Davao (City), sa SPMC (Southern Philippines Medical Center).”
Meanwhile, Super Health Centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection, further strengthening the healthcare sector in the country, especially in grassroots communities. Free consultations would be handled by municipal health offices, local government units, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) through its Konsulta program.
Through the concerted efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers, the DOH under Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and local government units, adequate funding was allocated for establishing more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide.
Finally, Go principally sponsored and is one of the authors of RA 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals.
“As principal sponsor ng batas na ‘yan at isa sa mga author, layunin po nito na mailagay sa mga rehiyon ang mga specialty services gaya ng heart center, kidney center, neonatal at pediatric care, at cancer center… Proud po ako — 24–0 ang boto sa Senado. Walang kumontra sa batas na ‘yan,” Go shared.
Switching focus to crime prevention and youth development, Go underlined his sports-based intervention programs as a way to deter drug abuse and criminality among Filipino youth.
“Kung meron po kayong mga atleta na nangangailangan ng tulong, kung meron po kayong mga paliga, tulungan po natin. Dahil isa po ito sa mga paraan para mailayo ang kabataan sa ilegal na droga… ‘Get into sports, stay away from drugs, to keep us healthy and fit.’”
Go ended his speech with a personal appeal for sincerity and service.
“Minsan lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung may kabutihan tayong magagawa sa kapwa, gawin na po natin habang nabubuhay tayo. Ako po si Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go — ang inyong kasama sa gobyerno, na patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya. Dahil naniniwala po ako — ang serbisyo sa tao, serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos.”