Bong Go calls for unity and cooperation in SEA Games

Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go. (Photo from his office)

“Magtulungan, huwag magsisihan.”

[Help each other instead of blaming each other.]

Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go gave this reminder for Filipinos on Tuesday, Nov. 26, emphasizing his call for unity and cooperation amid issues related to the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

In an interview on DZBB’s radio show “Dobol A sa Dobol B,” Go urged game organizers to unite and cooperate with each other as the country officially begins its hosting of the games from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11. Some matches, however, were already held on Sunday, Nov. 24.

“Tayo po ang host dito. Hindi natin afford na mapalpak dito,” Go said, adding that President Rodrigo Duterte had been dissuading everyone from playing the blame game.

[We’re the host here. We can’t afford to fail in this.]

“Gaya ng sinabi ko, ayaw ng Pangulong ngayon magsisihan. May kanya-kanyang kapalpakan. Ibig ko sabihin, ngayon, magtulungan muna tayo,” he added.

[As I said, the President doesn’t like blame passing. Everyone made mistakes. What I mean is that now let’s help each other first.]

As the chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, Go also said that there would come a right time for a proper investigation on the reported issues and concerns after the games. In the meantime, he encouraged Filipinos to root for their athletes instead of gloating over the mistakes.

“Nandiyan na eh. Huwag nating palakpakan ang palpak. Palakpakan natin ang mga atleta,” said Go.

[Errors have been made. Let’s not gloat over them. Let’s applaude the athletes.]

The senator also said that this would the perfect time to showcase the country’s natural beauty and the famous Filipino brand of hospitality.

“Napakaganda ng ating bansa. Dapat ipakita natin sa ating mga bisita ang ating hospitality,” Go said.

[Our country is so beautiful. We should show our visitors our hospitality.]

“Let’s work as one in order for us to win as one, “Go added.

/atm