DAVAO CITY — Former Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Saturday said he will reject any support coming from narco-politicians for his Senate bid.
In an ambush interview, Go dismissed speculations making rounds in social media that some politicians included in the alleged narco-list submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte are offering support for his senatorial bid.
“Hindi ko naman po makikilala (lahat) kung sino-sino ‘yung nagpapa-picture sa akin, tumatabi sa akin, at sino ‘yung sumusuporta sa akin. Pero kung nasa droga po kayo, no compromise, salamat na lang po. Pakiusap ko lang, lumayo kayo sa akin at lumayo kayo sa droga dahil mas delikado po ang buhay ninyo d’yan,” Go said.
Go said that while he is trying to win the support of the people as well as of other local and national leaders, he does not want to have to do anything with politicians or community leaders linked to the illegal drug trade.
“Basta narco-politician, wala pong compromise diyan. Hindi po ako tumatanggap ng anumang suporta mula sa narco-politicians. Kung nasa narco-politics kayo, layuan niyo na lang po ako,” Go said.
The former presidential aide made this vow during his visit to fire victims as he reached out to the community of Barangay Daliao in Toril, Davao City to give assistance.
Barangay Daliao in Davao City is the site of the Jan. 8, 2019 fire that destroyed at least 34 houses, left 40 families homeless, injured two people and caused property damage amounting to PHP400,000.
He said he is humbled by the latest senatorial surveys showing him making a big jump in the ranking, adding that it only served to inspire him to work harder in serving the Filipino people.
“Ako naman nakakataba ng puso ‘yung suporta na ibinibigay ng kapwa kong Pilipino, lalo na mula sa mga supporters po ni Pangulong Duterte. Patuloy po akong mag se-serbisyo, magse-serbisyo sa inyo. Wala kaming ibang hangarin ni Pangulong Duterte kundi ang magsilbi sa kapwa Pilipino,” Go said.
Go, a staunch supporter of President Duterte, has been drumming up support for the administration’s campaign against illegal drugs, crime and corruption.
Meanwhile, Go and his supporters distributed clothes, shoes, grocery items, food packs, meals, and cash assistance to residents affected by the fire.
“As usual, ‘yung ibinibigay natin na cash assistance, grocery, pagkain po (ay ipinamahagi natin sa mga taga-Daliao). Pinakain din po natin sila,” Go said.
Go also assured uniforms for students and workers who were affected by the fire so that they could go back to school and their workplaces as soon as possible.
“May mga estudyante na kailangan pumasok sa eskwelahan; nagpabili na ako ng uniporme (para sa kanila). Sa mga namamasukan naman po sa trabaho (katulad ng) mga security guard, bibilhan kaagad natin sila ng uniporme para makabalik na agad sila sa trabaho,” Go told interviewers.
Go also informed residents that he will try to seek additional assistance from them from his former colleagues in various government agencies, including the National Housing Authority.
He also took the opportunity to remind members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA) in the area to stay away from drugs.
Go had assured them that their concerns would be tackled in the forthcoming TODA summit organized by the national government.
Go also told fire victims that they can seek assistance from the Malasakit Center in the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City should they need medical attention.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop bringing together in one room government satellite offices of PCSO, DOH, DSWD, PhilHealth, and other concerned agencies to make it easier and faster for poor patients to avail of medical and financial assistance.
Go is proposing a law mandating the establishment of a Malasakit Center in all the provinces and urban centers of the country.
His legislative agenda also includes programs for agriculture, housing, long-term sports development, localized peace talks, barangay welfare, creation of a Department of OFWs, and senior citizens. (PR)
