Speaking to reporters in an ambush interview after attending the 2025 Good Governance Summit of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Masbate Chapter on Friday, February 21, in Manila, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reminded local legislators that their role extends beyond crafting laws. He urged them to take a more hands-on approach to serving their constituents, especially those in need.
“Naimbitahan po ako ng Philippine Councilors League Masbate—mga kababayan natin na Bicolano at mga Bisaya. Ito, pareho naman po ang trabaho namin bilang mambabatas. Kaya lang, paalala ko lang sa ating mga kasamahan dito sa gobyerno: ‘Wag po natin limitahan ang ating trabaho bilang mambabatas lamang,” said Senator Go.
He underscored that while the primary responsibility of legislators is to create laws, they also must be directly involved in addressing the concerns of their communities.
“Trabaho natin ang legislation, constituency, at representation. Ibaba natin ang serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan, lalong-lalo na po ‘yung mga mahihirap nating kababayan. Huwag po natin silang kalimutan,” he added.
Senator Go thanked the councilors from Masbate for their dedication to public service and acknowledged the government’s continuing efforts to improve healthcare access in the province.
“Salamat sa mga konsehal natin from Masbate. Parati po ako doon sa Masbate at marami rin tayong natulungan doon. Meron pong Malasakit Center doon, may mga Super Health Center din po akong napuntahan,” he said.
A member of the Senate Committee on Local Government, Senator Go, who has consistently championed the welfare of barangay officials and LGUs, reiterated his commitment to advancing legislation that supports their roles.
Among his other initiatives is filing Senate Bill No. 197 (Magna Carta for Barangays), which aims to provide barangay officials with benefits equivalent to those of regular government employees if enacted into law.
On February 3, the Senate also approved on third and final reading of SBN 2838, or the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), a measure that seeks to institutionalize compensation and benefits for the country’s community health volunteers. As one of the authors and co-sponsors of the bill, Go emphasized the vital role of BHWs in delivering primary healthcare services, especially in underserved communities.
Meanwhile, Go also filed SBN 2504, aimed at increasing the salaries of civilian personnel in the Philippine government. The proposed measure, also known as the “Salary Standardization Law VI,” seeks to build upon the provisions of the previously enacted RA 11466 or the Salary Standardization Law (SSL) 5 which Go served as one of its authors and co-sponsors in the Senate in 2019.
Finally, Senator Go also took the opportunity to greet the Bisaya-speaking residents of Masbate, recognizing the province’s strong cultural ties with the Visayas.
“Sa mga kababayan nating Bisaya, Bicolano sa Masbate. Mabuhay po kayong lahat,” he said.
Senator Go’s remarks reinforced his advocacy for proactive governance and accessible healthcare, urging local officials to ensure that government programs reach those who need them the most.
