Go attends inauguration of 38th Malasakit Center in Ilocos Sur, announces health committee chairmanship in Senate

July 25, 2019 -- Newly elected Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go attended the inauguration of the 38th Malasakit Center at the Gabriela Silang General Hospital in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. Go, who was welcomed by the local government officials of Ilocos Sur, expressed his elation towards another successful establishment of a Malasakit Center that has already helped thousands of Filipinos in other areas nationwide.

"Itong Malasakit Center, ang tinurn-over po rito, pera niyo po ito, binabalik lang po sa mga tao sa pamamagitan ng mabilis, maayos at maaasahang serbisyo para sa bawat Pilipino," Go said to the crowd.

The senator also explained that a Malasakit Center is a one stop shop where all representatives of different government agencies such as the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are all gathered. This is where Filipinos who need financial medical assistance can request for funding their hospital bills through the unified Malasakit form.

"Nandiyan na po sa loob [ang mga ahensiya at] mag-aambag-ambag po sila. Kung sakaling may balanse pa ang magbabayad po nito ay 'yung Malasakit Center [na ang bahala] para mapababa hanggang sa wala na pong babayaran ang mga pasyente natin," Go explained.

He also explained in an interview with the members of the press that "it's a continuing program" of President Rodrigo Duterte and relayed that this is one of his priority bills.

"Isa po ito sa aking priority bills to institutionalize Malasakit Centers all over the country [at] mayroon na ho tayong 38 na Malasakit Centers sa buong bansa," pertaining to his Senate Bill No. 199 Malasakit Center Act of 2019 he filed earlier this month that aims to establish Malasakit Centers in all public hospitals, and ensure its continuity even in future administrations.

Go emphasized that this is what he and the President has envisioned, "na tulungan po natin ang ating mga kababayan sa pagpapagamot, mabilis na serbisyo at huwag pahirapan."

The opening of the newest Malasakit Center was led by Presidential Adviser for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino who partnered with Go in initiating the project when the senator was still Special Assistant to the President. Dino was also joined by local government officials of Ilocos Sur and representatives from concerned national agencies during the launch.

Go also shared to the Ilocanos that he has been chosen as the chair on the committee on health in the Senate. He said, "Gusto ko ring ibahagi sa inyo na ako po ang napili ng aking mga kasamahan sa Senado na maging chair ng Committee on Health." Go further added that as a working senator, his office is always open to help the Filipinos.

"At kung ano po ang aking pwedeng maitutulong lalo na sa pagpapagamot, sa medical services po, lapitan niyo lang po ako. Wag kayong mag-atubili lumapit sa akin," he said.

The senator also addressed the recent issues regarding the PhilHealth program and DOH's alleged unused and expired medicine.

"Ako, hindi po ako papayag na may masasayang na pera ng gobyerno ngayon. Sabi nila may mga gamot na nasasayang. Kung kailangan itong imbestigahan, imbestigahan," Go emphasized.

He also further reiterated that he and the President himself do not tolerate corruption. "Itong PhilHealth po sabi ni Pangulong Duterte sa akin na kahit na kasamahan mo noon sa gobyerno, basta mayroon nawalang pondo ng gobyerno, sisilipin ko, iimbestigahan ko talaga 'yan. Hindi ako papayag na may maaksayang pera ng gobyerno."

He then added that a legislative measure for the reimposition of the death penalty for heinous crimes related to illegal drugs and plunder has been filed by him in the Senate to help strengthen this government's fight against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption.