Bong Go ranks among top senatorial candidates in latest OCTA survey, thanks Filipinos and vows to push for more pro-poor programs

Bong Go ranks among top senatorial candidates in latest OCTA survey, thanks Filipinos and vows to push for more pro-poor programs

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his deep appreciation to Filipinos for their continued trust and support, reaffirming his commitment to public service as he remains among the top senatorial candidates in the latest OCTA Research survey.

Senator Go ranked within the statistical top three, securing 58 percent voter preference in the Tugon ng Masa survey conducted from January 25 to 31. His standing reflects strong public backing for his hands-on governance approach and grassroots initiatives.

“Maraming-maraming salamat sa inyong patuloy na tiwala at suporta. Katulad noon hanggang ngayon, hinding-hindi ko sasayangin ang pagkakataong ibinibigay ng taumbayan sa akin na makapaglingkod sa bayan,” Senator Go said in a statement.

Senator Go also ranked among the top choices in the latest senatorial preference surveys conducted by Pulse Asia and Social Weather Stations (SWS), reaffirming his strong support from the Filipino electorate. In the Pulse Asia survey conducted from January 18 to 25, 2025, he placed 2nd to 3rd with 50.4% voter backing, while the SWS survey, conducted around the same period, positioned him in 3rd to 4th place.

The senator, known for his advocacy on healthcare and grassroots assistance programs, vowed to push for more pro-poor initiatives should he be given another term in the Senate.

“Kung papalarin at mabigyan muli ako ng pagkakataon na maglingkod sa Senado, ‘more serbisyo’ pa at pro-poor programs ang ating isusulong at pagtitibayin. Mas ilalapit natin ang serbisyo sa tao lalo na sa mga mahihirap at nangangailangan sa paraang walang pinipili o kinikilingan,” he said.

He maintained that his work ethic is one of the best contributions he can offer to the Filipino people.

“Ang aking kasipagan ang isa sa mga maiaalay ko sa inyo. Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, magseserbisyo, magtatrabaho at makikipaglaban ako para sa kapakanan ng kapwa ko Pilipino,” Senator Go declared.

He also highlighted his personal philosophy in public service, describing it as his life’s passion.

“Bisyo ko na po ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” he added.

Senator Go’s legislative efforts in his first term in the Senate have solidified his reputation as a public servant focused on bringing essential services closer to Filipinos.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Senator Go continues to push for legislation that improves access to healthcare services, particularly for indigent and underserved communities.

He is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized Malasakit Centers nationwide. These one-stop shops bring together concerned agencies to streamline access to medical assistance programs, particularly for indigent patients. Currently, 167 Malasakit Centers operate across the country, having assisted over 15 million Filipinos, according to data from the Department of Health (DOH).

Senator Go also pushed for the continued establishment of more Super Health Centers nationwide, designed to decongest hospitals by offering primary healthcare, consultations, and early detection services at the community level. So far, over 700 Super Health Centers have been funded through the collaborative efforts of Senator Go as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, the DOH, local government units, and fellow lawmakers.

Additionally, Senator Go principally sponsored and is one of the authors of RA 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which brings specialized medical care to all regions by establishing specialty centers in every DOH-run regional hospital.

Recently, Senator Go has also advocated for reforms in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) by pushing for a substantial increase in benefit packages for the top ten mortality diseases; an increase in case rates by up to 50% across the board; expansion of benefit packages such as dental benefits, preventive and emergency care, outpatient drug benefits, mental health benefits, optometric services, and the like; and the removal of anti-poor policies such as the 24-hour confinement rule and single-period confinement policy; among others.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, Senator Go firmly believes that efforts must continuously be pursued to empower the younger generation, encourage their participation in nation-building, and mold them into productive citizens.

On the education front, Senator Go acknowledges the success of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act signed during the Duterte administration. To further expand access to higher education, Go also filed SBN 1360, which seeks to amend that law and broaden the coverage of the tertiary education subsidy if enacted.

Senator Go also co-authored and co-sponsored RA 12077, or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act; RA 11510, which institutionalizes the Alternative Learning System to improve basic education delivery to underserved and disadvantaged students; RA 11984, or the “No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act,” which prohibits educational institutions from denying students the right to take exams due to unpaid fees; RA 12006, or the “Free College Entrance Examinations Act,” waiving entrance exam fees at private higher education institutions for qualified top students; RA 11997, or the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act,” which increases the teaching supply allowances for public school teachers; and RA 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which aims to address the alarming mental health crisis among Filipino students.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports since 2019, Go has also been instrumental in shaping the future of Philippine sports. During his tenure, sufficient support and focus on sports development have resulted in numerous feats, such as the country winning its first Olympic gold medals, hosting the Southeast Asian Games in 2019, and other commendable performances by Filipino athletes in international competitions.

He also authored and co-sponsored RA 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac.

He has also continuously pushed for an increased budget for sports programs to significantly improve Filipino athletes’ preparation, training, and competitive performance while launching effective programs to cultivate the talents of young and aspiring sports enthusiasts at the grassroots level.

“Minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede po natin gawin sa ating kapwa, gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito. ‘Yan po ang totoo,” Senator Go added.

 

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