Go sworn in; Duterte seals aide’s ‘destiny’

FROM ASSISTANT TO SENATOR Incoming Senator-elect Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go poses beside President Duterte who is seen signing documents after Go’s oathtaking as senator. —CONTRIBUTED

Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said health, housing and sports would be his top legislative priorities, as he was sworn into office on Thursday night with President Duterte administering the oath at Malacañang.

“You deserve it, this is your destiny,” Duterte told his former special presidential assistant, according to a statement released by Go’s office. “And may I remind you of your sacred duty: Ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos (service to the people is service to God). Congratulations and more power!”

Go earned the third highest number of votes (20,657,702) in the May 13 senatorial elections.

Speaking to reporters, the neophyte lawmaker said Sen. Manny Pacquiao was “considering to give him the sports committee” and that he was “ready to accept it, if ever.”

Malasakit Center

Go said he would focus on poverty alleviation efforts by setting up at least one Malasakit Center per province and big chartered city across the country.

Each center, he said, would be “bringing together in one room” all agencies extending help to the poor, such as the health and social welfare departments, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

Housing road map

As to informal settlers, Go said he would push for a “long-term housing road map” for the 6.5 million Filipinos who remain homeless.

He said his “personal relationship” with the President would never change and, “as long as there is no conflict with my mandate and duties as senator, I will continue to personally help [Mr. Duterte] because of my commitment to him. But my priority is still being a senator.”