“This man is neither opportunistic nor exploitative.”
Politicians are often perceived to be opportunistic and exploitative, primarily motivated by personal gain with little or no real concern for people’s welfare.
I would say Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go does not fit such a derogatory description because for me he is not a “politician” as characterized above, one who lusts for power.
Contrary to criticism, Bong is not being opportunistic and exploitative when he goes out of his way to extend a helping hand to victims of fire and other calamities.
Long before he declared his intention to run in the May 9 elections, Bong was slammed for “calamity politics” for consistently going to areas hit by fire and typhoons for “photo-ops,” distributing relief goods to affected families.
As expected, he was virtually subjected to crucifixion as soon as he filed his candidacy for Vice President back in October and then President as demanded by his political party leadership.
Bong gladly withdrew in deference to the filing of candidacy for VP by Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio.
Little did Bong’s critics know that for many years he has been doing the same kind of public service when he was Assistant to Mayor Rody Duterte of Davao City. That was long before he was appointed Special Assistant to the President, and eventually elected senator in 2019.
Judgmental critics, particularly supporters of the Opposition, deplore Bong’s “hypocrisy” or “pakitang-tao” in acting like a superhero who readily comes to the rescue of victims of conflagration even in most remote areas of the country.
They just don’t know Bong Go, who is one of the most decent, most sincere people I’ve met.
Being a Davaoeño myself, I have known the 47-year old senator for many years since his days at Davao City Hall during which he and Digong had no inkling about running for national office.
Bong, who wishes to just go back to simple life in exotic Davao City had always reached out to the less fortunate, something he carried on at Malacañang and the Senate.
I share his passion for public service which inspired him to spearhead the establishment of 149 Malasakit Centers, benefitting thousands of poor Filipinos.
RA11463 mandates the one-stop shop Malasakit center program to facilitate the medical benefits and financial assistance from PhilHealth, PCSO, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Bong has also provided various assistance to PUV drivers affected by the skyrocketing fuel prices and street vendors displaced by restrictions during the pandemic.
Long after the elections, the public servant with a big heart will still be out there coming to the aid of Filipinos in calamity-hit areas.