Go leads Monday’s Senate inquiry on pandemic, monkeypox

The Senate health panel will tackle on Monday updates on the government’s COVID-19 pandemic response, including reports on vaccine wastage, and other health concerns such as the measures set to prevent the spread of monkeypox, Sen. Bong Go said.

Go, chairman of the Senate committee on health, said the inquiry would be in light of the rising COVID-19 cases in the country as well as other emerging health threats such as monkeypox.

“We will hear the alleged wasted vaccines that the government bought,” Go said in Filipino. “We will talk about the government’s preparation for the monkeypox that has been reported, the vaccine for monkeypox and other health-related issues like dengue which is increasing.”

Earlier, Go said he would ask the Executive branch to “study the need to further extend the state of calamity due to COVID-19” since new cases have been rising in many places of the country.

With the resumption of physical classes, Go also suggested assigning health safety officers to help safeguard the welfare of students, teachers and school personnel to curb the rise in COVID-19 cases.

The Department of Education set the start of classes on Aug. 22, with the option to have five-day in-person classes, blended learning modality or full distance learning only until Oct. 31, then transition to full in-person classes.

While he agrees with the resumption of face-to-face classes in select areas, Go said the government must prioritize the health and safety of the students.

“Maybe it’s OK. I agree that we should return to face-to-face classes but let’s prioritize the health and lives of our youth,” said Go in an ambush interview after personally providing aid to struggling residents in Maasin City, Leyte recently.