AROUND 180 barangay captains from Manila’s 5th District gathered on Sunday, February 16, at the Fortune Mansion Seafoods restaurant in Malate, Manila, to rally behind the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) senatorial slate for the upcoming elections. Their presence made one thing clear: the real campaign is with the people.
The gathering was led by Barangay 670 Chairwoman Bai Aleya Bidua and Sultana Bhae Izashy Amor Mastura of the Royal House of Maharlika.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, who was invited by the barangay captains to show their support for the PDP senatorial slate, saluted the grassroots leaders for carrying the campaign grounded on ‘serbisyo at malasakit’ straight to their communities.
He emphasized that the pulse of the people, not political machinery, will determine the outcome of the elections. He urged supporters to amplify the campaign at the community level, highlighting that it is the people who must benefit from any political exercise.
“Mga kapitan ng barangay—kayo ang tunay na lakas ng kampanya. Hindi tayo umaasa sa ingay—tao ang puhunan natin. Saludo ako sa inyong tapang at malasakit. Magkasama tayo sa laban na ito,” said Senator Go.
Go also reflected on his longstanding presence in Manila, recalling how he had stood with residents through fires, floods, and crises. He reiterated that public service extends beyond legislative work and into the heart of communities.
“Alam nyo, parati po ako dito sa Manila tuwing may sunog, nung baha, pandemya at ibang krisis, nandito rin po tayo. Maraming lumapit kanina, nagpapasalamat sa tulong—sa Malasakit Center, sa ambulansya, sa programa, ar iba pa… Pero ang totoo, ako dapat ang magpasalamat sa inyo. Ako po ay isang probinsyano na binigyan ninyo ng pagkakataong magsilbi sa inyo. Hindi ko po sasayangin ang tiwala ninyo at oportunidad na ibinigay ninyo sa akin na makapagserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya,” said Go.
Meanwhile, Senator Go underscored his support for barangay officials through legislative action. He filed Senate Bill Number (SBN) 197, or the Magna Carta for Barangays, to push for proper recognition, support, and benefits for barangay officials. Additionally, he authored a bill to provide allowances, incentives, and job security for barangay health workers.
On February 3, the Senate also approved on third and final reading Senate Bill 2838, or the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), a measure that seeks to institutionalize compensation and benefits for the country’s community health volunteers. As one of the authors and co-sponsors of the bill, Go emphasized the vital role of BHWs in delivering primary healthcare services, especially in underserved communities.
Moreover, Go highlighted his commitment to connecting legislation with direct service to the people. He reminded attendees that his legislative work is guided by the principles of untiring service and compassion.
“Yan po ang trabaho namin bilang senador: constituency, representation, at legislation. Hindi lang batas. Kailangan mailapit ang serbisyo sa tao. Ako po, mula sa Davao, isang Batangueño na Bisaya, pero laking Maynila rin. Dito ako nag-aral, dito ako nakatira. Kaya ituring n’yo akong kapitbahay na handang tumulong,” he said.
Go also made a personal appeal for the PDP slate, urging barangay leaders to help their communities make informed choices.
“May pakiusap lang po: tulungan natin ang mga kasamahan ko sa PDP at ang mga candidates natin. Tayo-tayo ito. Kapag kayo ang kumausap sa mga tao, mas may timbang. Kasi kayo ang kilala nila. Kayo ang may tiwala nila,” Go urged.
From Bisaya to Ilonggo, Waray, Ilocano, and Bicolano, Go called out to the different regional groups in the crowd, highlighting that beyond regional lines, they are all one Filipino family united for a common cause.
The unity event ended with a collective commitment from the barangay leaders to actively campaign for the PDP senatorial slate within their communities. As the 2025 midterm elections approach, the party is counting on the strength of its grassroots machinery to deliver results at the polls.
“Hinding-hindi ko po sasayangin ‘yung pagkakataong ibinigay n’yo po sa akin. Magtatrabaho po ako para sa Pilipino. At iyan po ang pwede kong i-alay sa inyo, ang aking bisyo sa pagseserbisyo,” said Senator Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.
