SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go attended the 9th Annual National Conference of the Philippine Association of Local Government Accountants, Inc. (PHALGA), held at CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center in Baguio City on Thursday, May 16.
The event, themed “Empowering Fiscal Resilience: Innovations in Local Government Accounting,” brought together more than a thousand public accounting professionals nationwide to discuss advancements and challenges in the field of local government accounting.
“It is a privilege to stand before you today at the 19th Annual National Conference of the Philippine Association of Local Government Accountants. This gathering is a cornerstone event for all of us who are committed to the fiscal health of our nation, and I am delighted to be part of it,” Go remarked as guest of honor and speaker.
Go lauded Filipino accountants for their dedication and emphasized their crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability within the public sector. “I have immense respect for Filipino accountants,” Go stated, noting that his son is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). “I’ve seen firsthand the challenges and the vital importance of their work.”
“Malapit po sa aking puso ang mga accountant. Dahil ang anak ko po 2019 graduate rin po ng Accounting at CPA po siya. Siya po ay Top 3 sa CPA noong 2019… Siya po’y summa cum laude ng La Salle… at ngayon po he is taking Law, 4th year na po siya ngayong taon na ito at magba-bar na po siya and hopefully, God willing, magkakaroon po ako ng CPA Lawyer ngayong taon na ito,” he shared.
The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to supporting accountants through legislative measures, including the Senate Bill No. 2538 or the Magna Carta of Government Accountants.
This bill aims to bolster transparency and accountability within the public sector while promoting the welfare of public accountants, who play an essential role in good governance. The proposed Magna Carta seeks to establish a comprehensive set of rights and responsibilities for government accountants, enhancing the integrity and efficiency of government operations if enacted into law.
In addition, Go has filed SBN 2536, which seeks to create the Government Accountancy Office (GAO) under the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). The GAO is envisioned as a central authority responsible for the technical supervision of all accounting functions across government agencies.
“This centralization is a strategic move designed to ensure consistency, transparency, and efficiency in handling government finances,” Go explained.
If enacted into law, the establishment of the GAO aims to enhance and professionalize government accounting, leading to better management and control of resources. By introducing these legislative measures, Senator Go hopes to further empower the accounting profession and ensure that the nation’s fiscal health remains robust and resilient.
“I urge each of you to support these proposals. Let us work together to ensure a more accountable, transparent, and effective government,” Go, dubbed as Mr. Malasakit, encouraged.
“By collaborating, we can improve the management of our local units and secure a better future for everyone,” he continued.
Go said that the conference in Baguio City is an opportunity for accountants to exchange ideas and innovations, reflecting the event’s theme of empowering fiscal resilience.
On the same day, Go visited Guagua, Pampanga, to personally attend the blessing and inauguration of the Guagua Public Market Building, as well as the Guagua Community College Building and Student Center. The construction of the student center was backed by Go in his capacity as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. He also assisted displaced workers in Sta. Rita.
The senator, also known as Mr. Malasakit, vowed to continue serving the Filipino people to the best of his capacity.
“Ilapit natin ang serbisyo ng gobyerno sa mga nangangailangan nito lalo na pagdating sa kalusugan ng mga mahihirap nating kababayan. Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” he ended.
