SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go supported the Senate approval of House Bill No. 10839 on its third and final reading. The bill, which he co-sponsored, seeks to upgrade the Land Transportation Office (LTO) district office in Mati City, Davao Oriental, from Class “D” to Class “C.” This measure is expected to significantly enhance the delivery of public services in the region.
“Napakahalaga ng hakbang na ito para sa ating mga kababayan sa Davao Oriental. Ang pag-upgrade ng opisina ay hindi lang simpleng pagbabago sa kategorya. Ito’y magbibigay ng mas maayos at mas mabilis na serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan,” Go stated.
The measure, if enacted into law, mandates the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to operationalize the upgraded LTO office, utilizing initial funding from the existing budget of LTO Region XI. Future funding requirements will be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. The upgrade will also facilitate hiring additional personnel, modernizing equipment, and improving operational efficiency to better serve the public.
“Ang serbisyo publiko ay dapat maging pantay para sa lahat. Hindi dapat naiiwan ang mga nasa probinsya. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit sinusuportahan ko ang mga ganitong batas na direktang nakakatulong sa ating mga kababayan,” Go emphasized.
As a resident of the Davao Region, Go has consistently championed initiatives that address the needs of communities outside Metro Manila. He highlighted how better access to transportation services can lead to improved livelihoods and opportunities for the people of Davao Oriental.
“Malaki ang papel ng transportasyon sa pang araw-araw na buhay ng bawat Pilipino. Kapag maayos ang sistema ng transportasyon, mas gumagaan ang biyahe, mas mabilis ang negosyo, at mas may oras para sa pamilya,” he explained.
The Senator also pointed out that the initiative aligns with his broader advocacy of ensuring equitable access to public services across the country. As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, he often underscores the connection between infrastructure improvements and their positive effects on the overall well-being of Filipinos.
“Hindi lang ito usapin ng transportasyon. Ang bawat hakbang tungo sa mas maayos na serbisyo ay may epekto sa kalusugan, sa edukasyon, at sa ekonomiya ng bawat Pilipino,” Go added.
House Bill No. 10839 is part of a broader effort to strengthen public service delivery nationwide. Go’s co-sponsorship of over 50 similar measures upgrading LTO offices in various regions demonstrates his commitment to bridging gaps in access to essential services.
“Hindi po titigil ang ating serbisyo. Bisyo ko po ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang tunay na serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo din sa Panginoon,” Go underscored.
