SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and an advocate of health reforms, appeared on Radyo Agila’s program “Kasangga Mo Ang Langit,” hosted by Rey Langit on Monday, December 30. During the interview, Senator Go shared his reflections on critical issues, including the safety of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), healthcare reforms, and his vision for a healthier Philippines in 2025.
Senator Go opened the discussion by extending his heartfelt holiday wishes to Filipinos, saying, “Kumusta po kayo sa mga kababayan kong Pilipino, Merry Christmas, and happy, healthy New Year sa lahat.”
Langit shifted the conversation to the recent airstrike in Afghanistan, recalling Senator Go’s role during the 2021 Kabul crisis when 30 OFWs were evacuated amid the Taliban’s takeover.
Langit noted, “Na-recall ko lang ‘yung mga natulungan natin during the crisis ng Afghanistan d’yan sa Kabul nang mag-takeover ang mga Taliban. ‘Yung 30 na mga OFWs sa inyong coordination at sa tulong po ng dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, sila po ay ligtas na napalipad mula Afghanistan via Pakistan hanggang makarating po rito sa Pilipinas.”
Expressing his sympathy, Senator Go stated, “Unang-una, nalulungkot tayo tuwing mayroong nasasawi dahil po sa digmaan at itong nangyayari ngayon ay nalulungkot tayo. Ang importante sa atin dito ‘yung ating mga kababayang OFWs. Importante safe sila.”
Senator Go reiterated his commitment to OFW welfare and called on the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to prioritize immediate responses to OFW needs.
He stressed, “Nananawagan po ako sa ating DMW na kaya nga tayo may departamentong nakatutok po sa kanila para tulungan kaagad ang pangangailangan nila. Ang importante nasa ligtas po sila at may tumugon kaagad sa ating mga OFWs, sa mga kababayan nating Pilipino. Ang hirap pong mapalayo sa ating pamilya, ang hirap pong magtrabaho sa abroad.”
As an advocate for OFW welfare, Go authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11641, which established the DMW, streamlining support and services for OFWs.
He also proposed Senate Bill No. 2414, or the “OFW Ward Act,” to ensure dedicated healthcare services for OFWs and their families in all Department of Health (DOH) hospitals if enacted into law.
Additionally, Senator Go filed SBN 2297, seeking to institutionalize the OFW Hospital in Pampanga that was established during the term of former president Rodrigo Duterte, ensuring its sustainability and improving healthcare for OFWs and their loved ones if enacted into law.
Senator Go also emphasized the paramount importance of health, describing it as equivalent to life itself. “Ang wish ko talaga always ay healthy Filipino. Have a happy, healthy New Year po sa ating lahat. At sa ating mga kababayang Pilipino para sa akin ang kalusugan po ay katumbas po ‘yan ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.
Meanwhile, in the same interview, Go expressed disappointment over the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) zero subsidy due to its reported excess funds.
He outlined his expectations for the state insurer, stating, “Kaya nakikiusap ako sa PhilHealth, tututukan ko po ito. May hearing tayo every month sa Senado para tugunan kaagad nila ‘yung mga pangako nila na expand benefit packages, increase case rate, ‘yung sinabi nilang tatanggalin na nila ‘yung 24-hour confinement policy, tanggalin n’yo na po. Also, importante yung mga expand benefit packages tulad ng dental, itong checkup sa mata, libreng salamin, at iba pa dahil naghihirap po ang Pilipino, ang hirap pong magkasakit.”
The senator also emphasized his ongoing efforts to support health workers, particularly in securing their Health Emergency Allowance (HEA). He reassured Filipinos that his office is always open to assist those in need, stating, “Bukas po ang opisina ko para sa inyong lahat. Sa abot ng aking makakaya ay magseserbisyo po ako sa inyo sa aking tungkulin bilang inyong senador.”
Senator Go expressed his aspirations for the upcoming year, reinforcing his commitment to the well-being of every Filipino, particularly the underprivileged. He emphasized the importance of maintaining good health, saying, “Kaya ang wish ko sa darating na 2025 ay isang healthy new year po, healthy Filipinos… lalung-lalo na sa mahihirap nating kababayan.”
The senator reiterated his dedication to his role, highlighting his tireless work ethic. “Wala po akong pahinga, Monday to Sunday po ako magtatrabaho para sa Pilipino. Salamat sa inyong tiwala,” he said, stressing that he would continue to serve the Filipino people to the best of his ability.
Rey Langit lauded Senator Go’s work ethic and public service, noting, “Opo, alam po namin at kami po ang mga witnesses nina JR Langit sa sipag n’yo mula pa ng panahon ng aking anak… lagi kayong magkakasama mula high school ganon na raw kayo kasipag.”
Senator Go humbly acknowledged this and reflected on his motivation to serve, saying, “Sanay lang po tayo sa trabaho at ang bisyo ko ay magserbisyo sa ating mga kababayang Pilipino. Hindi po ako pulitiko na mangangako, gagawin ko lang po ang aking trabaho para sa Pilipino.”
