Senator-elect Bong Go expressed his sincerest gratitude to the Filipino community in an event held in Tokyo, Japan as part of the four-day visit of President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Maraming salamat po sa oportunidad na ipinagkaloob ninyo sa akin upang pagsilbihan kayo. Hindi po lahat ng mga Pilipino ay nabibigyan ng pribiliheyo na tumulong na paangatin ang antas ng pamumuhay ng kanyang mga kababayan. I will not waste this trust that you have given me,” Go said during the event.
In his speech, the former presidential aide offered his victory to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
“This feat would not have been possible if not for the love and support of every Filipino, including our beloved overseas Filipino workers whose steadfast support gave me a big boost to achieve one of the sweetest victories in my life,” he said.
“I will be the OFWs’ voice in the Senate.”
Go assured OFWs that he will not only continue serving as their bridge to the President, but will also be their voice in the Senate.
“Magtulungan po tayo para mapaganda ang ating bansa. Ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos. Ibibigay ko po lahat para makapagserbisyo sa inyo,” Go said.
He also vowed to support OFWs by assuring them that their grievances will be addressed as part of his work as a senator.
“Asahan din po ninyo na laging bukas ang aking opisina para sa inyong mga hinaing at mga suhestiyon kung papaano mas mapapaganda pa ng gobyerno ang mga serbisyo nito para sa inyo at kung papaano namin mas matutugunan ang inyong mga pangangailangan,” Go said.
“The establishment of the Department for OFW concerns is my top priority in the Senate.”
The establishment of the Department for OFW concerns is a top priority of Go in the Senate.
The proposed department will serve as a one-stop-shop in providing legal assistance for OFWs in distress; to arrange a full migration cycle approach in promoting migrant’s rights from pre-employment as well as onsite and reintegration services; and to launch a shared database system that contains important information of all OFWs to aid in tracking their status and fast tracking the delivery of assistance especially to distressed workers.
“Nagmamalasakit po kami sa lahat ng sakripisyo ninyo para sa inyong mga pamilya at sa bansa. Asahan niyo po na gagawin naming mas mabilis, maayos at maaasahan ang serbisyong ‘Tatak Duterte’ na ipinagkakaloob ng gobyerno sa inyo,” he stressed.
Go also intends to hasten airport transactions and explore the possibility of establishing OFW Malasakit Centers to cater to complaints and queries of OFWs, including all other Filipinos visiting or residing abroad.
He cited that presently, various government agencies dealing with OFWs are scattered in several departments, such as the International Labor Affairs Bureau, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (under the Department of Labor and Employment); the OFW Social Service Office (under the Department of Social Welfare and Development); and the Commission on Filipino Overseas (under the Office of the President), among others.
According to Go, separate procedures among related agencies may lead to longer response time, particularly for OFWs in distress. Go added that by putting all these agencies under ‘one roof’ there will better coordination when it comes to the delivery of services and rescue efforts.
“Masakit makita ang ating mga kababayan na tinuturing na bagong bayani na iniiwan ang kanilang mga pamilya upang makapagbigay ng mas maayos na buhay sa pamamagitan ng pagtrabaho sa mga malalayong bansa. Walang gusto malayo sa kanilang mahal sa buhay. Dapat lang na maalagaan sila ng gobyerno bilang pagkilala sa kanilang sakripisyo,” he said.
In addition to better full migration cycle for OFWs, a department solely devoted to OFWs may also result in better training programs and skills enhancements prior to their deployment abroad.
Go also assured OFWs that he will support and help the President in achieving a safe and progressive country for the next generation.
“Ipagpapatuloy ko ang mga ipinaglalaban ni Pangulong Duterte lalo na ang laban natin upang masugpo ang iligal na droga, korapsyon at kriminalidad. Sisiguraduhin namin na ligtas ang mga anak ninyo dito sa Pilipinas,” he said.
Among Go’s top legislative priorities to improve the quality of life of Filipinos are: the establishment of Malasakit Centers in every province and big chartered cities, the creation of the National Senior Citizens Commission (NCSC) that will implement laws, policies and programs for the senior citizens; and the intensified fight against illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption.
“Lilipad na sa tagumpay ang mahal nating Pilipinas. Sakay ng mas ligtas, payapa at maunlad na bansang minamaneho ng ating piloto na si Tatay Digong, sabay-sabay po tayong bumiyahe tungo sa matagal na nating pinapangarap na pagbabago,” he said.
For Go, it is a great honor and privilege to serve OFWs around the world and also the Filipino people in general, saying, “Isang malaking karangalan at pribilehiyo po para sa akin ang pagsilbihan kayo at ang buong sambayanang Pilipino sa Senado.”
On a lighter side, Go said the President went to Uniqlo store in Japan and checked out some gadgets at an Apple store. The President was accompanied by his long-time partner Honeylet Avancena and Go.
“Namimili si Pangulo ng damit dahil pagkakataon na niya para makaikot man lang. This is his third time na makapunta ng Japan, pero ito yung unang pagkakataon na nakaikot siya sa Japan. Pumunta siya sa Uniqlo, ito naman ang paborito niyang damit, simple lang naman. Pumunta rin siya sa Apple store para pumili ng apple watch para sa anak niya,” Go said.
“Si Pangulo nagtingin rin ng computer o laptop kasi minsan doon po siya nagtatrabaho, at nanonood ng mga palabas,” he added.