Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has urged barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) candidates to remember their responsibility once they are elected into office.

Go stressed such importance as the 2023 barangay and SK elections draws near, underscoring the crucial role of public trust in those who would be elected to office.

“Public office is a public trust. Kung kayo po ay iluklok dyan, wag nyo pong sayangin ang tiwalang ibinigay sa inyo ng taumbayan (If you would be elected, don’t waste the trust granted to you by the people),” said Go after attending the launch of the 159th Malasakit Center in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.

Go reminded barangay and SK bets that elected officials at the barangay level are the direct point of contact for the public and should not squander the trust given to them.

"Unahin po natin ang interes ng tao, unahin po natin ang interes ng bayan. Unahin po natin tulungan ang mga kababayan nating mahihirap, ang mga pobre (Let’s prioritize the interest of the people, prioritize the nation’s interest. Let’s us prioritize helping our poor citizens),” the senator added.

This year’s barangay and SK elections are scheduled to be held on Oct. 30, 2023. Among those to be elected are the Punong Barangay, seven members of the Sangguniang Barangay, and the SK chairperson in barangays all throughout the country.

At the same time, Go renewed his push for Senate Bill No. 197 or the Magna Carta for Barangays which he earlier filed. The bill seeks to recognize the critical role of barangay officials in delivering services from the government.

Having worked closedly with former president Rodrigo Duterte when he was still a mayor, Go said he understands the challenges faced by barangay officials. Thus, the measure aims to ensure that barangay officials, including the Punong Barangay, members of the Sangguniang Barangay, the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson, the barangay secretary, and barangay treasurer, receive similar treatment as regular government employees.

The bill primarily aims to ensure they would be eligible for salaries, benefits, and allowances, among other perks.

“Mahalaga at kritikal ang papel ng mga barangay officials natin sa paghahatid ng mga serbisyo mula sa pamahalaan (Barangay officials have a very important and critical role in bringing government’s services to the people),” he added.

"Dapat awtomatikong ibinibigay na sa kanila ang kanilang parte sa mga pambansang buwis (They should automatically receive their share of national taxes),” Go stated.

He said this should include funds for the maintenance of barangay roads and bridges, as well as an increased share from real property tax and other collections.