Senator Christopher "Bong" Go on Tuesday, October 31, renewed his call for the public and the newly elected officials not to forget prioritizing the welfare of the people and help uplift the lives of their indigent constituents following the successful conduct of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) 2023.

Go shared his thoughts on the responsibility of those elected a day after the elections: “To the newly elected barangay and SK officials, remember that the public has placed their trust in you.”

“I hope that you will always prioritize the welfare of your constituents, especially the poor, the hopeless and the helpless, because this is the essence of public service. Remember that public office is a public trust. Do not waste the opportunity and the privilege to be able to serve your fellow Filipinos,” the senator reiterated.

Go also urged the electorate and the new officials to embody the values of responsibility and discernment associated with suffrage.

"The outcomes of the BSKE are a direct reflection of the people's voice. It's imperative that we, as a nation, respect and uphold the choices made by our fellow Filipinos,” the senator said.

“Ngayong tapos na ang eleksyon, magkaisa tayo para sa ikabubuti ng ating mga komunidad (Now that the elections are over, let us unite for the betterment of our communities),” he said.

“Sa mga nahalal ng taumbayan, isapuso ninyo ang ang inyong gagampanang tungkulin at unahin ninyo ang kapakanan ng mga pinakanangangailangan (To those who were elected, take your responsibility seriously and wholeheartedly and prioritize the welfare of those who are deeply in need),” he urged.

Citing his personal experience alongside former president Rodrigo Duterte, Go highlighted the challenges and fulfillment associated with barangay governance.

"Having seen firsthand the efforts of barangay officials during President Duterte's tenure as Davao City mayor, I understand the critical role they play in the governance structure,” he said.

“They are the ones closest to the people, and their actions significantly impact the lives of their constituents," said Go.

Go exercised his right to vote at the Buhangin Central Elementary School SPED Center, precinct no. 1658A, in Davao City during the elections.

In a bid to strengthen barangay governance, Go filed Senate Bill No. 197, or the Magna Carta for Barangays.

According to the lawmaker, policymakers should first be able to strengthen and support the basic unit of government at the barangay level to be able to promote and pursue good governance and bring public services closer to the people.

“If this proposal is passed into law, barangay officials may hopefully be given benefits similar to regular government employees,” he said.

“Moreover, if approved, it (will) also allocate sufficient resources for the improvements of public services at the barangay level,” Go stressed.