SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go and former President Rodrigo Duterte joined Partido Demokratiko Pilipino in Hong Kong over the weekend to meet with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and personally express their gratitude for their support and sacrifices for the nation.
The event, organized by the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) in partnership with various OFW organizations across Hong Kong and Macau, served as a platform for dialogue between migrant workers and the Duterte Senatorial Slate for the 2025 midterm elections.
Speaking before a crowd of Filipinos from various backgrounds, Senator Go emphasized the deeply ingrained values of loyalty and gratitude in the community.
“Tayong mga Bisaya, pare-pareho tayong may prinsipyo. Ang utang na loob, hindi natin nakakalimutan. Kaya nandito ako ngayon,” Senator Go told the audience, underscoring his deep connection with the OFWs in Hong Kong.
He reaffirmed his commitment to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), highlighting his role as one of the authors and a co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11641, which established the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to ensure better protection and services for OFWs.
Signed into law by former president Duterte in December 2021, the measure streamlined government services for OFWs, consolidating efforts to provide more efficient and responsive assistance to those working abroad.
Beyond legislation, Senator Go has been a key figure in enhancing healthcare services for migrant workers. He continues to push for the institutionalization of the OFW Hospital in San Fernando City, Pampanga, through his filed Senate Bill No. 2297, ensuring its long-term operations as a dedicated medical facility for OFWs and their dependents.
The OFW hospital was established during the Duterte administration in collaboration with the Pampanga provincial government. To further expand its reach, he also filed Senate Bill No. 2990, which aims to double the hospital’s bed capacity from 50 to 100, improve its medical equipment, and strengthen its workforce.
His commitment to migrant workers’ welfare also extends to his filed SBN 2414, or the “OFW Ward Act,” which mandates all Department of Health (DOH) hospitals to set up dedicated wards specifically for OFWs and their families if passed into law.
The event featured testimonials from OFWs who shared how these programs had positively impacted their lives, reinforcing Duterte’s legacy and the importance of sustained government engagement with Filipino workers abroad.
Meanwhile, building on his healthcare advocacy, Senator Go also reiterated his push for the continued operation of Malasakit Centers. Malasakit Centers serve as one-stop shops for medical assistance particularly for indigent patients, reducing out of pocket expenses to the least possible amount.
As the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, Senator Go institutionalized the program to ensure its sustainability. Today, 167 Malasakit Centers operate across the country, having already assisted more than 17 million Filipinos according to the Department of Health.
Senator Go, as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, further stressed the importance of accessible healthcare, particularly for Filipinos in underserved communities. He pointed to the growing number of Super Health Centers across the country which he has advocated for to provide essential medical services such as dental care, laboratory tests, X-rays, and minor treatments in grassroots communities.
Through the combined efforts of Senator Go, fellow legislators, the DOH led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and local government units, more than 700 Super Health Centers are set to be established nationwide.
Finally, Go principally sponsored and is one of the authors of Republic Act No. 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing Department of Health (DOH) regional hospitals.
“Ang hirap na mawalay sa pamilya at mangibang bansa para lang bigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang kanilang mga anak. Kaya nandito po kami para magmalasakit sa inyo at ipakita na hindi namin kayo pabababayaan,” he added.
“Hindi ko malilimutan ang inyong suporta at tulong… Nandito lang ang inyong Kuya Bong Go na handang magserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya” he declared.
Meanwhile, in his speech, Duterte made a strong endorsement of Senator Go, praising his intelligence, dedication, and years of loyal service. He recalled how Go first became his trusted aide, rising from humble beginnings to becoming a senator known for his hands-on approach to public service.
“Ito ‘yung si Bong Go. Noon, for the longest time, nakikita n’yo, mayor ako, ito ‘yung aide ko,” said Duterte, reminiscing about their early years together when he was still a local official of Davao City.
Duterte recounted how Go volunteered to work for him after the death of his previous aide, a military officer.
“First aide (ko) was a military man… Kabarkada niya, namatay. Tapos sabi niya, kung wala pa akong kapalit, many years ago, nag-volunteer siya. Sabi ko, sige,” Duterte shared.
The former president did not hold back in praising Go’s capability to serve, particularly when it comes to his honesty and sharpness in handling finances.
“Pero mahusay… Senator Bong Go, walang ano. Ito bright ito. Bright talaga ito. Magkwenta ito sa ano, ‘yung mga finances namin, gano’n. Hindi na kailangan gumamit ng calculator,” Duterte added, emphasizing Go’s sharp mind.
As he continues his legislative work, Senator Go assured Filipinos—both at home and abroad—that their welfare remains his top priority. Whether in healthcare, agriculture, youth development, or migrant workers’ rights, his commitment to public service stands firm, with his advocacy deeply rooted in the values of compassion, service, and action.
“Tandaan natin, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” reminded Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.
“Ako ang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go, patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po yan sa Diyos,” he concluded.
