Bong Go

Bong Go files resolution calling for inquiry on PH preparedness to contain, suppress monkeypox

August 2, 2022 People's Journal 226 views

SENATORS Christopher “Bong” Go and Robinhood “Robin” Padilla, filed Senate Resolution No. 84 on Monday, August 1, directing the Health and Demography Committee to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the preparedness of the country to contain and suppress monkeypox which has been declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a public health emergency of international concern, with the end view of preventing the overburdening of the healthcare system.

The resolution was pushed following the detection of the first case of monkeypox in the country on July 29.

Go, who was reelected as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, and Padilla emphasized in their resolution the urgent need to evaluate the government’s preparedness to effectively suppress the spread of monkeypox especially as the country is still trying to recover from the adverse impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Both senators stressed that it is the duty of Congress to formulate institutional policies and measures to address public health emergencies.

“Sobra pong naging eye-opener para sa atin ang pagpasok ng COVID-19 sa bansa. Nakita po natin kung gaano kaimportante na palakasin ang ating healthcare system. Sobrang dami po ng kailangang ayusin. We hope that, guided by good science, we know better how to handle monkeypox this time,” expressed Go.

“Palagi kong sinasabi na huwag tayo maging kumpyansa. Palagi tayo dapat one-step ahead sa kahit anumang krisis na posibleng dumating. Ngayon po na may naiulat na kaso ng monkeypox sa bansa, kailangan natin maghanda para hindi na kumalat ito tulad ng pagkalat ng COVID-19,” he added.

Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis with symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle ache, backache and rash, according to the WHO. Meanwhile, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, such as direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox. Likewise, the virus can also be transmitted through touching objects, fabrics and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox, and contact with respiratory secretions.

In May 2022, multiple cases of monkeypox started to be identified in several non-endemic countries. According to the WHO, the number of confirmed infections rose to 77% from late June through early July 2022. The WHO then declared the monkeypox outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) last July 23.

“Bilang Chair ng Senate Committee on Health, palagi po akong nakatutok sa pagpapalakas ng ating healthcare system. Kaya naman todo suporta din po ako sa mga adhikain ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. lalo na sa mga inisyatibo niya para sa ating health care,” Go expressed.

“The more we should invest sa ating healthcare system — maging handa tayo at maging proactive tayo. ‘Wag nating hayaang magkandarapa na naman tayo,” Go said.

“Higit sa lahat, importante na may sapat na kaalaman at kahandaan ang publiko ukol sa sakit na ito na mula sa ating health authorities and experts. Ito ang nais nating talakayin sa inquiry na ito. Para magabayan ang policy makers sa ano ang kailangan, at para mabigyan ng tamang impormasyon ang mga Pilipino will paano maiwasan ang sakit,” he emphasized.

Senator Go likewise committed to closely coordinate with the Department of Health and other relevant agencies to come up with strategies and measures to strengthen the capability of the country against future health crises.

He had earlier refiled his twin bills that will improve the country’s healthcare system to better respond to infectious diseases.

The lawmaker reintroduced Senate Bill No. 2158 which establishes the Philippine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC will serve as the lead agency for developing communicable disease control and prevention initiatives.

Furthermore, Go refiled SBN 2155 which shall create the Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines (VIP). The Institute shall be the principal laboratory for virology research and laboratory investigations as well as the lead technical coordinator of the nationwide network of virology laboratories.

“This is a learning experience for all of us. But as we move forward, we need better foresight to successfully reassess what institutional practices we need to change, institutions we need to further strengthen, and make long-lasting plans not only for our recovery but also for our sustainable future,” Go previously remarked.

“Gawin natin ang lahat ng ating makakaya upang maproteksyunan ang kinabukasan ng ating mga anak kung sakaling may panibagong krisis pangkalusugan na naman na darating,” he reiterated.

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