"Superstar kayo in your own right" — Bong Go acknowledges local chief executives, pushes for accessible health care during LMP National Assembly

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go emphasized the crucial role of local chief executives in nation-building and reaffirmed his advocacy for accessible health care in his address at the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) National Assembly at the Manila Hotel on February 11.  

Speaking before municipal mayors from across the country as an invited guest, Senator Go expressed his deep respect for their contributions, underscoring their indispensable role in governance.  

“Mga mayors, mataas ang respeto ko sa inyo. You are superstars in your own rights. Tawagin n’yo lang akong Bong Go o Kuya Bong,” he said.  

A staunch advocate for healthcare accessibility, Senator Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, highlighted his ongoing efforts to establish more health facilities such as Super Health Centers in municipalities where hospitals are too far for many residents. He recounted how he pushed for Super Health Centers four years ago to provide essential health services, including dental laboratories, X-ray facilities, and PhilHealth consultations.  

“Maraming mga lugar, at sigurado ako, sa inyong mga munisipyo at bayan, maraming malalayong ospital,” he said. “Halimbawa, sa Batangas, Tingloy Island, isang oras ang biyahe papunta sa ospital gamit ang bangka, plus dalawang oras pa sa tricycle. Sobrang layo talaga. Ngayon, may Super Health Center na sila, may pharmacy pa.”  

Senator Go illustrated the impact of these centers by sharing a story from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, where a mayor once told him about expectant mothers giving birth in tricycles due to the distance to the nearest hospital.  

He also continues to monitor the implementation of Malasakit Centers which are one-stop shops aiming to support indigent patients by covering their hospital expenses to the lowest possible amount. Senator Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.  

As of now, 167 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, assisting patients with medical expenses. The DOH reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more than 15 million Filipinos.  

In addition, Senator Go championed the creation of Regional Specialty Centers, which will bring advanced medical care closer to underserved regions. Senator Go principally sponsored and is one of the authors of Republic Act No. 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals.  

He also tackled concerns about PhilHealth, lamenting the public’s lack of awareness about their membership. “Gusto ko lang ipaalam sa inyo, lahat ng Pilipino ay miyembro ng PhilHealth. Ang problema, hindi lahat alam na miyembro sila,” he said, adding that out of the country's estimated 150 million population, fewer than 50 million are registered.  

He pushed for increased benefits, citing an alarming case in Camarines Norte where a provincial health officer incurred hospital bills amounting to PhP 4 million but received only PhP 27,000 in PhilHealth coverage.  

After numerous appeals from Go, PhilHealth has also officially committed to ensuring the implementation of their other promises such as increasing case rates; expanding benefits packages, especially for the top 10 mortality diseases; providing free medicines and assistive devices, such as eyeglasses and wheelchairs; inclusion of dental, visual, emergency and preventive care; as well as updating policies to meet the needs of Filipinos. 

Go has pressed PhilHealth to accelerate its other reforms following the long-overdue scrapping of the Single Period of Confinement (SPC) policy late last year. While its removal was a significant step triggered by Go’s consistent appeals for reform, he has also brought to light the 24-hour confinement rule, which required patients to be hospitalized for at least a day to qualify for insurance coverage. PhilHealth officials have also committed to remove this rule by providing more emergency care packages. 

As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Go reiterated his advocacy for youth involvement in athletics as a deterrent to illegal drugs.  

“Get into sports, stay away from drugs,” he urged. “Kung may paliga kayo—Mayor’s Cup, inter-barangay—tutulong po ako. Isa ito sa paraan para manatiling malusog at ligtas ang ating kabataan.”  

Go’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the future of Philippine sports. During his tenure, sufficient support and focus on sports development has resulted in numerous feats such as the country winning its first Olympic Gold medals, hosting the Southeast Asian Games in 2019, as well as other commendable performances by Filipino athletes in international competitions. 

He also authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac.

Go has also continuously pushed for an increased budget for sports programs to significantly improve Filipino athletes' preparation, training, and competitive performance while launching effective programs to cultivate the talents of young and aspiring sports enthusiasts at the grassroots level.

Senator Go acknowledged the leadership of LMP National President Mayor JB Bernos of La Paz, Abra, alongside Executive Vice-President for Operations Mayor Germy Singson-Goulart of Caoayan, Ilocos Sur, Senior Vice-President Mayor Jeffrey Khonghun of Castillejos, Zambales, Vice-President for Internal Affairs Mayor Valentino Patron of San Jose, Batangas, Vice-President for External Affairs Mayor Marcos Mamay of Nunungan, Lanao del Norte, Vice-President for Luzon Cluster Mayor Joefrey Saguid of Dingras, Ilocos Norte, Vice-President for Visayas Cluster Mayor Sun Shimura of Daanbantayan, Cebu, Vice-President for Mindanao Cluster Mayor Ronie Osnan of Caraga, Davao Oriental, and Vice-President for Special Concerns Mayor Donato Chan of Medina, Misamis Oriental.  

He extended his appreciation to all LMP officers for their commitment to advancing the welfare of municipalities across the country.  

Senator Go ended his address with an assurance to local leaders that he remains accessible to them. His closing remarks resonated with his audience, blending humor with his signature brand of direct and practical public service.  

“Asahan n’yo po, mga mayors, bukas ang aking opisina para sa inyong lahat. Patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” he concluded. 

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