Bong Go praises Filipino women

MANILA, Philippines — Former special assistant to the President and 2019 administration senatorial bet Christopher “Bong” Go on Friday expressed his respect and admiration for Filipino women and vowed to promote their welfare.

“I’m giving the highest honor to women: Mothers, sisters, aunts and all women in all sectors,” Bong Go said on the occasion of the celebration of the International Women’s Day.

“Long live all of us on this day of women around the world,” he added.

He assured the Filipino women that they can count on the administration of President Duterte to uphold and protect their rights at all times.

“You can depend on the Duterte administration to defend and protect women’s rights,” said Go.

He said the Duterte administration recognizes the important contribution of women to society and the nation.

He noted that the President had signed various laws for the benefit of Filipino women, including the Expanded Maternity Leave Act that gives mothers up to three months of paid leave to provide them enough time to care for their new-born babies.

He also cited the “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act” that strengthens the national and local health and nutrition programs for pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls, infants and young children in the first 1,000 days.

Go also noted that in 2017, Duterte signed Executive Order No. 12, directing government agencies to expand access to contraception, especially for poor women, stressing that poor households in the country should have “zero unmet need for modern family planning.”

“I will continue the reforms that Presidernt Duterte started, including his program for women’s welfare,” Go said.

Also in Go’s priority legislation he prepared for his Senate bid are programs that will provide direct benefits to Filipino women.

For his agenda for barangay welfare, Go is proposing the creation of mandatory position for barangay health workers, most of whom are women, so they can receive regular salaries and more benefits.

Go lamented that while the barangay health workers are in the frontline in the delivery of the government’s health service, they are considered under the law as mere voluntary workers and so they only receive a minimal honorarium.

“It’s about time to recognize the big contribution of women to our society and give them the benefits they deserve,” Go said.

In running for the Senate, Go placed health at the top of his priorities, including the establishment of Malasakit Centers, which seek to make it easier and faster for poor patients to avail themselves of medical and financial assistance from the government.

A project of the Duterte administration based on Go’s idea, the Malasakit Center makes such efficient service possible by bringing together in one room all concerned government agencies such as the DOH, DSWD, PCSO and PhilHealth.

Go wants a law enacted for the establishment of Malasakit Center in more provinces and key urban centers in the country.

Other components of Go’s legislative agenda include programs on agriculture, anti-illegal drugs and criminality, housing, education, long-term sports development, localized peace talks, anti-corruption, fire protection and prevention, creation of a Department of OFW and improved benefits for senior citizens.