Former Special Assistant to the President Bong Go gives a stinging rejoinder to critics over vote-buying raps.
MANILA, Philippines — Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Tuesday took exception to allegations that he offered cash assistance to fire victims at the height of the campaign period.
Go stressed that he visited fire-hit communities in the metropolis to simply listen to their sufferings.
“Unang-una, noong bumisita ako sa nasunugan, pumunta ako para mapasaya sila at makinig sa kanilang hinaing. Wala akong inabot na cash assistance dahil bilang isang kandidato, alam kong bawal iyon,” Go said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Pangalawa, wala rin akong sinabi na magbibigay ako ng anumang tulong pinansyal para sa mga nasunugan,” he added.
Two poll watchdogs – the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections and Kontra Daya – have urged the Commission on Elections to look into reports that the former presidential aide gave cash assistance to those affected by fire incidents at the peak of the 2019 campaign period for the senatorial race.
READ: Bong Go assures public no gov’t funds used in campaign
Go was reported to have visited fire-stricken Barangay South Cembo in Makati City on March 5 to give a speech while his staff allegedly gave P2,000 each to the victims.
The former presidential aide also went to Santa Ana, Manila, to visit fire victims last Feb. 18 and allegedly promised cash assistance to them.
Go then blasted critics for accusing him of such, asking if his accusers have offered any help to fire victims.
“Dumalaw ako sa nasunugan para magmalasakit sa kanila. Hindi tulad ng iba diyan, pumunta doon para magdala lang ng intriga at paninira. Ako naman po magtatanong sa kanila, anong tulong ang naibigay ng pagpunta ninyo doon?” he said.
Go said critics should also think twice before spreading stories about him and his activities.
“Marami tayong mga kababayan na gustong tumulong. Bakit niyo ipagkakait sa mga mahihirap na nasunugan ang mga nagmamagandang loob na Pilipino na gustong tumulong na hindi naman kandidato tulad ko. Ano naman po ang nagawa ng mga bumabatikos para sa ating mga kapos-palad na kababayan?” Go said.
“Kung ang kusang pagtulong ng mga tao ay mamasamain ninyo, dapat naman siguro magisip-isip kayo sa ginagawa ninyo,” he added.