DUPING THE PUBLIC: Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go says the people behind the alleged pay-offs and misrepresentations in the signature campaign for People’s Initiative (PI) should be held accountable for duping the public and taking advantage of poor Filipinos by telling them they were signing up for government assistance programs. During the 2nd public hearing of the Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation held in Davao City on Friday, February 2, 2024, Go said any proposals to change the Constitution should benefit the Filipino people, particularly the less privileged. “Do not exploit the weakness of the poor and deceive them to get their signatures for PI. The problem here is that most people did not really understand what they were asked to sign. They did not even explain the content of what was being signed,” Go said in Filipino. He urged the public to withdraw their signatures if they had been deceived into signing the People’s Initiative. Go explained that a People’s Initiative would render the Senate voiceless and remove its ability to guard the interest of the people by not having checks and balances in the government. (Office of Sen. Bong Go/Senate PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Bong Go on Monday said the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should prioritize programs for the poor.
Go, who served as former President Rodrigo Duterte’s aide, said he supports the government’s programs but he wants to see the results.
“I hope and pray that the administration will give priority to programs that will directly benefit and uplift the lives of the poor, particularly in strengthening our healthcare system as well as reducing inflation,” said Go, head of the Senate Committee on Health.
READ: VP Duterte won’t be watching Marcos’ 3rd Sona – OVP
The lawmaker said he did not attend Marcos’ third Sona as he needed to undergo a stress echo, which tests heart function under physical stress.
In a video posted on Facebook, Go was seen walking on a treadmill while wearing a blood pressure cuff and watching the Sona on his phone.
“Ayoko na makipagsiksikan doon, puno na sila,” Go said while running on a treadmill.
(I don’t want to huddle, the venue is full.)