AS the nation remembers those who fought to secure the nation’s liberty and preserve the Filipino way of life, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go also paid tribute to healthcare workers and other Filipinos in the frontline against the COVID-19 pandemic who continue to serve their country and save lives.

He recognized them as ‘present-day heroes’ as the country commemorates National Heroes’ Day on August 30.

In his message, Go also urged Filipinos to honor heroes throughout history for their sacrifices by continuing their legacy of defending the nation’s freedoms and fighting for its rightful place in the world.

“Nakikiisa ako sa buong sambayanang Pilipino sa pagdiriwang ng Araw ng mga Bayani. Sabay-sabay tayong magbalik tanaw sa ating kasaysayan upang magbigay pugay sa ating nakaraan. Pahalagahan at pasalamatan natin ang sakripisyo ng ating mga bayani upang maging malaya ang ating bansa at mamuhay ng matiwasay ang ating mga mamamayan,” said Go.

The Senator then recognized those who are on the frontlines in the fight against COVID-19, and encouraged Filipinos to emulate their valor and patriotism so they too can become heroes in their own right and help move the nation forward toward a healthier, safer and brighter future.

“Kilalanin din po natin, sa araw na ito, ang pagsisikap at sakripisyo ng ating mga magigiting na health workers at frontliners ngayong panahon ng pandemya na silang nagmana sa kabayanihan ng ating mga ninuno,” continued Go.

“Nawa’y magsilbing inspirasyon ang katapangan, kagitingan at kahusayan ng ating mga bayani, noon hanggang ngayon, upang malagpasan natin ang ating kasalukuyang pandemya at maiangat natin hindi lang ang ating mga sarili kundi pati na rin ang ating bayan,” he said.

Go went on to recognize the hard work of essential workers and ordinary citizens who continue to fulfill their duties in their communities to respond to the needs of the people and keep the country safe and secure amid these uncertain times.

“Let me recognize the hard work of our public servants—from regular employees to our top officials. Deep in my heart, I believe that the vast majority are honest and dedicated to their duty of providing genuine public service. Every single day they step out of their homes and expose themselves to the risks of the disease, they, too, are making the supreme sacrifice for the sake of our people. We cannot thank them enough,” said Go.

“And as we celebrate National Heroes Day, we salute all brave Filipinos who join us in our fight against the pandemic — especially the healthcare workers, economic frontliners, law enforcers, private sector partners, volunteers, and ordinary citizens taking part in the bayanihan efforts to ensure that no Filipino is left behind.”

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Bong Go refuses to be PDP presidential bet

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go officially declined the endorsement of the National Executive Committee of the ruling party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Laban ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) for him to be nominated as the party’s presidential candidate, alongside President Rodrigo Duterte who was endorsed to run for the vice-presidential post.

In a letter addressed to party president and Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, Go said that while he is deeply honored by the trust and confidence, he respectfully declines the endorsement.

“I am deeply honored by the trust and confidence of the members of the NEC in my capability to run for the presidency this coming 2022 elections. For a simple man who hails from a city in the South, the endorsement alone by esteemed members and officers of the NEC is a great personal honor for me,” said Go.

“As much as I wish to respond to the clamor of many of our partymates, I most respectfully decline the said endorsement. As I have said many times before, I am not interested in the presidency,” he added.

The letter comes after the PDP-Laban NEC adopted Resolution No. 5, series of 2021, last August 4, which endorses Go as the party’s presidential candidate and President Rodrigo Duterte for the vice-presidential post.

As the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go said that he would rather devote his time and attention in helping the government and Filipinos overcome the pandemic as soon as possible.

“This includes not just crafting laws but also performing representation and constituency services, particularly by helping those in need, as I have been doing ever since,” he further explained.

In the letter’s conclusion, Go stated that he will leave his political future in God’s hands.

“Ipapasa-Diyos ko na lang ang lahat,” concluded Go.

Earlier, Go also thanked the Filipino public for their trust and support following several independent surveys showing high trust and performance ratings for him, President Duterte, and the whole administration.

“Maraming salamat po sa inyong tiwala, lalung lalo na po sa administrasyon ni Pangulong Duterte. Marahil ay nakakita po ang mga supporters niya ng rason para maipagpatuloy ang mga magagandang nagawa ng Pangulo. Continuity po ang kanilang hinahanap,” Go earlier said.

“Ngunit hindi pa rin nagbabago ang isip ko. Hindi talaga ako interesado. Unahin niyo na lang ang mga may gusto talagang tumakbo bilang Pangulo. Kung ako tatanungin ninyo, mas gugustuhin ko na ako’y tahimik na nagseserbisyo para sa kabutihan ng kapwa kong Pilipino bilang inyong Senador,” he added.

The Senator, who continues to go around the country to help Filipinos in crisis situations, such as fire victims, victims of natural disasters, displaced workers and vulnerable sectors of the pandemic, earlier said that his public service will not be hampered by talks about the coming elections and he will not limit himself to being a legislator only.

“As I have said numerous times, I will not limit myself to legislation only. Parte rin ng tungkulin ko ang representation at constituency services. Magseserbisyo ako sa Pilipino kahit saan man sila sa mundo para tugunan ang mga suliranin, pakinggan ang mga hinaing, at mag-iwan ng ngiti sa oras ng kanilang pagdadalamhati,” Go previously said.

“Focus muna tayo, serbisyo muna tayo. Mahalaga po nandiyan po ang ating recovery measures at importante po walang maiwan sa ating pagbangon bilang nagkakaisa at mas matatag na bansa,” he added.

When asked about his considerations for the upcoming elections, he hopes that whoever would lead the country next can continue the efforts that President Duterte has started towards providing a more comfortable life for all Filipinos.

“Kung papaano maipagpapatuloy ang mga magagandang pagbabago na nasimulan ni Pangulong Duterte, lalo na ang kampanya laban sa kriminalidad, korapsyon at iligal na droga. At kung papaano rin maipagpatuloy ang pagkakaroon ng isang gobyerno na may malasakit sa kanyang mamamayan para maiahon ang ating bansa mula sa krisis na ito,” he emphasized.

“Iyon ang aking konsiderasyon sa pagpili ng susunod na mamumuno sa ating bansa. Importante na may katimbang si Pangulong Duterte na kayang ipagpatuloy ang mga nagawa niya. Iyan ang continuity na sinasabi ko. Pero please lang, huwag lang ako,” he reiterated.