SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go has underscored the importance of Senate Bill No. 2814, also known as the Free Legal Assistance for Military and Uniformed Personnel Act which he authored and co-sponsored. This proposed legislation seeks to provide free legal aid to uniformed personnel facing legal challenges stemming from their official duties, ensuring they receive the legal protection they deserve.
As Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense, Go emphasized the importance of standing by those who protect the nation, recalling the strides made during the Duterte administration. This support has been evident when former president Duterte fulfilled his campaign promise to increase the salaries of our uniformed personnel.
The senator pointed out the sacrifices made by uniformed personnel, who often risk their lives to safeguard the nation.
“Often, our uniformed personnel are placed in dangerous situations that jeopardize their life and limb, putting the future of their family and loved ones on the line to secure peace and order in our country and defend our people.”
He stressed that such measures are essential to ensure that uniformed personnel can perform their duties without undue fear of legal harassment, provided they act within the bounds of the law.
“Ang pagseserbisyo para sa bayan ay hindi dapat katakutan, lalo na kung ginagawa nang tama at naaayon sa batas. Kaya dapat may tamang legal assistance ang ating mga pulis at sundalo. Ito ang responsibilidad ng gobyerno: suportahan ang mga naninindigan sa tama at may integridad basta in line of duty,” Go said.
This measure, he explained, would ensure that police officers have the support they need to perform their roles effectively and with peace of mind, knowing that they have legal protection if done in accordance with the law.
“Tulad din naman ng sinabi ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte noon sa kapulisan: gampanan ang tungkuling proteksyunan ang buhay at kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino sa paraang naaayon sa batas,” he cited.
Go’s proposal aligns with parallel efforts in the House of Representatives, which has been deliberating on measures to allocate special funds for police officers facing legal battles, financial difficulties, or other challenges tied to their service.
Go highlighted the success of similar programs implemented during the tenure of former President Rodrigo Duterte, both as Mayor of Davao City and as Chief Executive of the country. These initiatives provided legal aid, financial assistance, and livelihood support for police officers and their families, ensuring that those serving the nation are not left to fend for themselves during difficult times.
“The true Davao model, which we’ve seen work effectively, lies in ensuring that our police force and their families receive the support they need in accordance with existing laws —financially, legally, and even in terms of livelihood. Walang iwanan, lalo na ‘yung mga naninilbihan para sa bayan,” Go emphasized.
“Hindi pinababayaan ni dating Pangulong Duterte ang mga pulis na nagtatrabaho nang buong puso, noong Mayor siya at lalo na noong naging Presidente siya. Kung may nagkamali, dapat managot! Pero kung nasa tama, kailangan natin silang tulungan,” Go stated.
Aside from legal aid, Go also emphasized the importance of addressing other critical needs of police officers. These include livelihood programs for their families, financial assistance during crises, and medical aid to ensure their well-being.
The senator explained that these measures are not only meant to help police officers but also to strengthen public trust in law enforcement. By ensuring that officers receive proper training, adequate equipment, and support when needed, Go believes that the police force can carry out their responsibilities more effectively and ethically.
“Ang suporta sa ating kapulisan ay para rin sa kapakanan ng publiko. Kapag may tiwala ang tao sa pulis, mas magiging maayos ang ating lipunan,” he said.
Go highlighted the crucial role uniformed personnel play in maintaining national security, often facing dangerous situations in the fight against criminal syndicates and terrorist groups.
“Ang ating uniformed personnel ang laging nasa frontline sa kampanya ng pamahalaan laban sa banta ng mga kriminal, lalo na ang mga drug syndicates at mga terorista,” he said, recognizing their bravery in defending the nation.
However, Go pointed out that despite their valor, many uniformed personnel face legal challenges while performing their duties.
“It is often overlooked how those who defend our safety are also in need of defenders for their rights,” he explained.
He shared his concern over instances where soldiers and police officers are unfairly targeted, particularly when they find themselves entangled with influential individuals.
“Paminsan-minsan, sa nais lamang nilang gampanan ang kanilang tungkulin, sila pa ang iniipit at nakakasuhan kapag may nakakabanggang mga mayayaman at makapangyarihang mga tao,” Go explained.
“Siguraduhin po natin na may pondo ang pulis at sundalo para mabigyan sila ng adequate na legal defense. Alam naman po natin na kulang ang sweldo nila para dyan, napakarami pong fees na binabayaran pag nag hire ng abogado,” he stressed.
Go has consistently championed the welfare and modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Notably, during the Duterte administration, Go played a crucial role in increasing the salaries of military and other uniformed personnel, which he described as a way to honor their dedication to the country.
The senator has also actively opposed proposals that would adversely affect the pensions entitled to active and retired military personnel. He also opposes proposals that would require them to contribute to their pension funds.
Go’s advocacy extends beyond the military to include the modernization of the Philippine Coast Guard through his filed SBN 2112, which seeks to modernize its assets and capabilities.
