Pledges support to DOH, initiatives to protect lives of Filipinos

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, on Monday, November 7, lauded the government’s current pandemic efforts as it gradually restores normalcy in the country towards attaining economic recovery.

“Naging maganda po ang ating COVID response sa ngayon na unti-unti tayong pabukas sa ating ekonomiya dahil hindi naman po pwedeng sa mahabang panahon nakasarado tayo,” said Go during an ambush interview after personally providing assistance to Severe Tropical Storm Paeng victims in Calatagan, Batangas.

“Kita n’yo paunti-unti pinag-aaralan ng ating health officials. At napakaganda po ng ating COVID response, hindi tayo makakatipon dito kung hindi naging maayos ang ating kampanya laban sa COVID,” he added.

The senator also assured that once President Ferdinand Marcos Jr names a new health secretary in the future, he, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and a member of the Commission on Appointments, is willing to sponsor the nominee put forth by the President, after due consideration, when that time comes.

“Siguro pagdating ng panahon, prerogative po ‘yan ng ating Presidente na magtalaga ng bagong health secretary,” said Go.

“At ako naman po bilang Committee Chair on Health sa Senado, I’m willing to sponsor kung sino po ang kanyang mapili dahil ako naman po sa Commission on Appointment ang Chairman po sa Health,” he continued.

The senator added that he respects President Marcos’ prerogative of appointing members of his cabinet. He then reminded appointees to prioritize the health and welfare of the Filipino people.

“Kung sino ang itatalaga ni Pangulong Marcos, full support ako kung saka-sakali. Ang importante, unahin po natin ang kalusugan at buhay ng bawat Pilipino. ‘Yun po, pangalagaan po natin ang buhay,” he said.

Meanwhile, Go expressed his confidence in the Department of Health Officer-in-Charge Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire’s ability in leading the efforts of the administration to fully overcome the pandemic.

“Ako naman po, very confident naman po ako dahil napakagaling at kabisado po ng ating OIC secretary na si Rosette Vergeire… noong panahon ng pandemya, kakaumpisa ng pandemya nandidiyan na po siya,” explained Go.

“Siya nga po ang nakikita natin halos araw-araw sa telebisyon. Kabisado na niya. Noong nagkaroon po ng transition between the previous administration ni (dating) pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte at ni Pangulong Marcos, maganda po ang transition dahil kabisado na niya (Vergeire) lalung-lalo na po itong COVID response natin,” he added.

According to Go, Vergeire being well-versed in the country’s COVID-19 response is a significant benefit. This includes her familiarity with the national vaccination program and strategic areas.

Nevertheless, Go urged health officials to put the needs of the populace first, adding that their role has a significant impact on the lives of Filipinos.

“Ang pera po ay kikitain natin ‘yan, magsipag lang tayo. Subalit ang perang kikitain ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. Kaya a lost life is a lost life forever. Pangalagaan po natin ang buhay at kalusugan ng bawat isa,” he concluded.