Senator Bong Go
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has lauded the accomplishments of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in the past year as he underscored the urgency of continuing pro-poor programs and initiatives for the benefit of the marginalized sectors in the Philippines. Go, chairman of the Senate Health and Demography committee, also pledged his continued support for the establishment of regional specialty centers. This, following the passage of Regional Specialty Centers Act that he principally sponsored and authored in the Senate. The measure is now awaiting the President’s signature. In an ambush interview after aiding poor residents in Trece Martires City, Cavite, Go highlighted his commitment to ensure sustained funding for healthcare facilities nationwide, including the establishment of the regional specialty centers. The regional specialty centers are intended to be located in Department of Health (DOH) regional hospitals across the country. Each center will host a different specialty, bringing services such as those available in Metro Manila-based hospitals like the Heart Center, Lung Center, and the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, closer to the people in the regions. The legislation is an integral part of the health-related legislative agenda of the Marcos administration, as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028. Go expressed his anticipation for the continued and increased focus on pro-poor initiatives by the administration in the forthcoming second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Marcos scheduled on July 24. Reflecting on the harsh effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, Go emphasized the necessity of ensuring food security and job creation for all Filipinos, especially those most affected by the health crisis.