Bong Go aids Pasig fire victims, allays fears of nationwide Martial Law

Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go visited Thursday noontime, August 1, the more than 100 individuals who were affected by a fire that broke out on July 29 at the Alvarez Compound along Dr. Sixto Antonio Avenue in Brgy. Maybunga, Pasig City.

Go distributed lunch, grocery packs and financial assistance to the 33 families that gathered at the barangay hall. He also offered assistance to those who want to go home to the provinces and those who need serious medical attention.

With Go were representatives of various government agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the National Housing Authority, to evaluate and address the needs of the fire victims.

In an ambush interview after the event, Go allayed the fears of many that a nationwide declaration of Martial Law will take place following the recent spate of killings in Negros Oriental.

Go said President Rodrigo Duterte is a lawyer and knows that Martial Law can only be declared with reasonable basis. "Si Pangulong Duterte abugado po yan. Hindi naman po kailangan at wala namang basehan na dapat i-declare ang Martial Law," Go said.

He added that he understands what actions the President will take since he has served him for a long time. "Hindi po gagawin ni Pangulong Duterte yan, knowing him for the past twenty-one years."

The President, though, may consider declaring Martial Law in Negros Oriental. "Sa ngayon, pinag-iisipan pa po ni Pangulong Duterte 'yan dahil medyo hindi po katanggap-tanggap 'yung mga nangyayari doon."

Since last week, 21 murders have been recorded in the province, including that of four policemen. "Yung apat na pulis walang awang pinaslang po at pinahirapan pa po," Go said, adding that the safety and welfare of the residents is the primary consideration of the President. "Kay Pangulong Duterte naman, kung ano po 'yung interest ng Pilipino doon sa lugar nila ay 'yun po ang nasa isipan niya."

The Senator also mentioned that the President has increased the bounty of the killers of the policemen to P5 million. The killings were reportedly carried out by communist rebels.

As to the extension of Martial Law in Mindanao, Go said the President is yet to make a decision. "Antayin na lang po natin ang assessment ng gobyerno, ni Pangulong Duterte, ng mga military advisers niya kung kailangan talagang i-extend 'yung Martial Law sa Mindanao."

He noted that there has not been any reports of abuses by the military and that their presence even serves as a crime deterrent. "Ako mismo, witness po ako diyan. Ako po ay taga-Davao. Umuuwi po ako ng Davao at wala naman po akong nakitang pang-aabuso mula sa military, at in fact ay nakakatulong pa ito sa pagbawas ng crime doon. 'Yung mga presence ng mga militar sa kalye nakakatulong po sa peace and order."

Go said he will support the extension of Martial Law if requested by the President. "Kung sakaling i-request po ito ng pamahalaan, ni Pangulong Duterte, ay susuportahan ko po ito."

Asked about the statement of National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. that he would recommend another extension of Martial Law, Go said he trusts the assessment of the military. "Malaki ang tiwala ko sa assessment at recommendation po ng militar."

He added that his visit in Sulu the previous month made him see that the threat of terrorism still exists. "Noong nakaraang buwan, pumunta kami (ni Pangulong Duterte) mismo doon sa Sulu kung saan po mayroong dalawang suicide bomber, at nakikita niyo talaga na tuloy-tuloy pa po ang threat ng terrorismo dito sa ating bansa, lalong-lalo na po sa Mindanao."

Going back to issues in the locality, Go commended Pasig City officials for the road clearing operations conducted earlier in the day. He said it takes political will to implement existing laws.

"I congratulate the local government officials, including (Representative Roman) Romulo sa mga plano nila sa kanilang lugar. Kailangan talagang ayusin 'yung daan. Medyo masikip. Kaya po tayo nagkaka-traffic. It takes political will po para ipatupad ang batas. Mayroon nang batas eh. Political will na lang po ng bawat local government officials na ipatupad 'yung batas."

Go said the improvement in the flow of traffic is noticeable, but he said officials should strike a balance between clearing the roads and considering the livelihood of vendors. He said the vendors may be allowed to sell their products as long as they do not get in the way of vehicles and pedestrians.

"Kanina nabawasan na po 'yung traffic. Nag-motor po ako kanina, lusot-lusot na ako, pero siguro dapat eh babalansehen rin po ang lahat. Hindi po magiging apektado 'yung mga naghahanapbuhay. Maglagay po sila sa pwesto ng kanilang mga paninda basta huwag lang po sa illegal. Huwag po sila doon sa mga daanan po ng tao para hindi po nakakasagabal."