BONG Go reiterates appeal to those already eligible to get vaccinated immediately to lessen risk of severe COVID-19 cases or death; calls on agencies to address issues head on and remain focused on overcoming the crisis

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continues to urge Filipinos to get their COVID-19 vaccines as the country bats for, at the very least, population protection this year and herd immunity soon after.

“Huwag ho kayong matakot sa bakuna. Ang bakuna po ang tanging susi o solusyon para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay, o ‘yung target nating population protection at ‘yung herd immunity,” Go said during an interview after the inauguration of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAx) Silang East Interchange section on Tuesday, August 24.

“Bagama’t mahirap po ‘yung herd immunity ngayong taong ito, sa tingin ko po population protection muna. Population protection – ibig sabihin hindi bumagsak ‘yung ating healthcare system, mababawasan po ‘yung mga kaso,” he added.

Go noted that the public confidence in vaccines have significantly improved because citizens have now realized that unvaccinated individuals are at risk of being hospitalized and contracting severe infection.

“Kaya napapansin ko po ngayon tumataas na po ‘yung tiwala sa bakuna, marami na pong gustong magpabakuna dahil napatunayan nga nila ‘yung mga nasa hospital ngayon, ‘yung mga nagkaka-COVID, ‘yung mga naging positibo, at ‘yung mga namamatay, karamihan ay hindi po bakunado,” said Go.

“Kaya ulitin ko, ‘yung mga nasa priority list group, […] magpabakuna na ho kayo para po protektado kayo. Kung mahal ninyo po ang inyong pamilya, mahal po ninyo ang inyong mga anak, magpabakuna na ho kayo,” he urged.

Go also cited that authorities continue to carefully balance economic recovery efforts while intensifying health protection in order to ensure a holistic approach in battling COVID-19, as well as poverty and hunger that resulted from the pandemic.

“Bagamat may adjustments sa community quarantine restrictions, huwag po magkumpyansa. Binabalanse po natin ang lahat. Ang importante ay maproteksyunan ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino laban sa sakit na COVID-19, at pati na rin sa hirap at gutom na dulot nito,” Go earlier explained.

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases reverted the National Capital Region to the most stringent ECQ last August 6 until August 20, after which it was reclassified to MECQ.

Meanwhile, the Senator announced that special risk allowances for medical frontline workers will be released soon, and that the government is prepared to allocate more funding if necessary.

“Mare-release na po ‘yung 311 million para doon sa SRA. At kung may mga kulang pa, inatasan na ni Pangulong Duterte ‘yung DBM, ‘yung Executive department na maglaan ng pondo,” he said.

While urging the Department of Health to expedite the release of the SRA and to make sure they remain committed on fulfilling their mandate, Go also expressed support to the Senate probe on COVID-19 funds so that issues can be resolved, the truth will come out, and concerned agencies can focus on their work.

“I’m urging the DOH, bilisan niyo na po ang proseso. Kaya nga po kami rito sa Senado, binibilisan na rin natin ‘yung pagdinig para po makatrabaho na rin po ‘yung mga DOH natin, hindi na po nakatutok lamang dito sa hearing,” said Go.

“At ma-comply na lahat, ‘yung mga katanungan, kung wala naman pong problema, ay para po makapagtrabaho na rin po itong mga DOH officials natin, para nakatutok po dito sa COVID response na wala na silang ibang iniisip na iba pa,” ended.

Bong Go hails huge infra boost under PRRD term

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go praised the Duterte Administration for continuing to spur a new era of infrastructure development in the country during the inauguration of the Cavite – Laguna Expressway (CALAx) Silang East Interchange section which he personally attended on Tuesday, August 24.

The CALAx is a public-private partnership between the government and MPCALA Holdings Inc., a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation. The project is a 45-kilometer closed-system tolled expressway which connects the Manila – Cavite Expressway (CAVITEx) to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx).

“The opening of the CALAx will greatly improve the mobility of many Filipinos who are residing in Cavite and Laguna but are working in the National Capital Region. Apart from that, it will also provide an alternate route to Tagaytay, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region,” said Go.

“The flagship Build, Build, Build Program of the Duterte Administration is not only brought about by the need for infrastructure development, but is also a result of our current administration’s determination and strong political will to provide comfortable lives for all Filipinos,” he continued.

The CALAx reduces the travel time between CAVITEx and SLEX from one hour and 30 minutes to 45 minutes. Construction began at the CAVITEx Connection in Kawit, Cavite and ended at the SLEX – Mamplasan Interchange in Biñan City, Laguna.

In addition to addressing the traffic congestion at the Aguinaldo Highway and Sta. Rosa – Tagaytay Road, the project also improves the competitiveness and promotes the CALABARZON region as an investment area. The CALAx is expected to be completed by early 2023.

In light of this achievement, the Senator commended President Rodrigo Duterte for his success in engaging the private sector in a very transparent manner following the right processes as provided by law, while overcoming the bureaucratic and legal hurdles which delayed the completion of various critical infrastructure projects for many years.

“Gusto ko lang pag-usapan itong political will. Lahat naman ng administrasyon ay merong mga sariling infrastructure projects na nakaalan. Pero ito ‘yung nangyari sa administrasyon ni Pangulo Duterte. Ang Skyway, halimbawa, naging mahirap tapusin ‘to dahil maraming properties ang matatamaan,” said Go.

“Nag-warning si Pangulo sa mga nag-file ng temporary restraining order. Finally, marami ang natapos na proyekto. Dahil ‘yan sa political will. Palagi pinapaalala ng Pangulo na unahin natin ‘yung interes ng kakaramihan to make life more comfortable for all Filipinos,” he added.

Go also noted the President’s humility for refusing to put his name on any public or private project. He echoed the same sentiments and asked CALAx and other concerned officials to refrain from putting politicians’ names on any infrastructure project.

“Kahit sa mga projects sa barangay, pinapatanggal ng Pangulo ang pangalan niya. Kahit nung nag-mayor at congressman siya, ayaw niya talaga ipalagay ‘yung pangalan niya dahil para sa kanya, pera ng gobyerno ‘yan. Sa tao ‘yan eh,” continued Go.

The Senator continued his message, recognizing Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade and Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar for their unwavering commitment, dedication and hard work to provide solutions to the address to country’s critical transportation and infrastructure needs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also thanked Tugade for his leadership in addressing the issues surrounding the Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) and willingness to heed the call of the public as echoed by the Senate earlier to address their concerns regarding the scheme.

“Pumayag na si President Duterte na i-revisit ‘yung MVIS. Alam namin na inuuna mo lang ang safety ng mga motorista dahil maraming sasakyan ang hindi roadworthy at kapakanan ng mga motorista ang iniisip niyo. Ngunit nasa gitna tayo ng pandemya,” reminded Go.

“Ayaw natin mahirapan ang mga kababayan, lalong-lalo na ‘yung mga mahihirap na nangangailangang mag-travel ang far as 150 kilometers para lang mag-renew ng kanilang registration. Sobrang hirap ang Pilipino ngayon. Tulungan natin sila sa panahong ito,” he appealed.

Go also acknowledged the MVP Group of Companies for its continuing support and assistance towards the development endeavors of the government. He assured that the Duterte Administration is committed to supporting critical development projects that aim to boost job creation and improve the nation’s economic competitiveness.

“Maraming, maraming salamat para sa inyong suporta kay Pangulong Duterte. Alam ko na nandidiyan kayo ‘di lang para sa administrasyon kundi para tulungan ang Pangulo na gawing komportable ang buhay ng mga Pilipino. Nandidito lang kami ni Pangulong Duterte handang magserbisyo sa inyong lahat. Hindi kami nangangako na kaya namin ang lahat pero magtatrabaho kami sa abot ng aming makakaya para sa inyo,” vowed Go.

The ceremony was also attended by Secretary Tugade, Secretary Villar, Cavite Governor Juanito Remulla, DPWH Underscretary for Planning Maria Cabral, Build Build Build Committee Chair Anna Mae Lamentillo, and MPIC President and Chief Executive Office Jose Lim, among others.

In 2019, Go was declared an adopted son of the CALABARZON region in a manifesto issued by the governors of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon. They cited his many years of service under President Duterte and “heart for his country” through the various projects he initiated which have benefited millions of Filipinos.