‘Make good choices, stay away from drugs’ – Bong Go

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Sunday appealed to thousands of students in Dumaguete City, to stay away from illegal drugs.  Speaking before a jam-packed Perdices Memorial Coliseum in this capital of Negros Oriental, the president’s most trusted aide pointed out the ill-effects and dangers of illegal drug use.

“We must avoid illegal drugs because it shrinks our brain,” Go told students from various levels from the different public and private schools in Dumaguete.

Go was guest of honor and speaker during the Nutri-Fest 2018, a project of the Dumaguete City government, headed by Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo, in line with the celebration of Nutrition Month this July.

Go said the Duterte administration remains committed to curb the problem of illegal drugs and corruption in government, among others.

On corruption, he highlighted that the president is serious in weeding out corrupt officials in government, even those who helped him in his campaign during the 2016 presidential election.

“Many had helped our mayor (Duterte) during the campaign but he stressed that we will be parting ways)” because the president’s interest is “para sa bayan” (for the country),” Go said.

On peace and order, he reiterated that the declaration of martial law was essential in Mindanao to crush terrorism and attain peace, especially after the Maute terrorist group attacked and besieged Marawi City.

“If he did not finish the war in Marawi, areas like Manila, Davao, Gensan and Cagayan would have been in danger,” he told the crowd.

Go made special mention of the military and the police in their role in securing peace and order, especially with the dangers that they face each day.

Meanwhile, he appealed to teachers to “bear with the president in doubling the pay-check of the police first because they are ones on the frontline in security efforts.”

The Palace official also announced that he will donate an ambulance to Negros Oriental that was donated to him by a friend "to ferry your patients" from far-flung areas.

During the Nutri-Fest 2018 event, Go was joined by Mayor Remollo, Davao City 1st District Representative Karlo Nograles, Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, local officials, and actor Philip Salvador. (FREEMAN)