Bong Go appeals for vigilance, cooperation and compassion amid COVID-19 crisis: 'Let's work together to keep the invisible enemy at bay until there is a vaccine'

Amid recent modifications on some restrictions imposed to control the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as announced by President Rodrigo Duterte in his 'Talk to the People' address on Monday night, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go appealed to all Filipinos to remain vigilant, cooperate with authorities, and show compassion to each other in order to help in the efforts to overcome the ongoing crisis.

"Let us work together to keep the enemy at bay until there is a vaccine available. Totoong mahirap ang buhay ngayon, pero pangunahing layunin muna natin ang maitigil ang pagkalat ng COVID-19 sa ating bansa para mas mapabilis ang pagbalik natin muli sa normal na pamumuhay," Go appealed.

"Ang ating pagiging mga responsableng mamamayan na nagmamalasakit sa kapwa at nakikisama sa bayanihan ay ang susi sa ating mabilis na pag-ahon sa krisis. Magtulungan tayo para hindi bumagsak ang ating healthcare system habang binabalanse natin na pasiglahin muli ang ating ekonomiya," he added.

Go reminded the public that their cooperation is key to the success of the efforts to overcome the ongoing crisis.

"Lagi natin pong alalahanin na hindi kaya ng gobyernong mag-isa ang laban kontra pandemya. Hindi rin kakayanin ng ating mga medical frontliners kung patuloy na dadami ang kailangang dalhin sa mga ospital. Preventing the spread of COVID-19 starts with us by being responsible citizens and following health and safety protocols," he explained.

This comes after several industries, such as gyms, tutorial centers, grooming centers, internet cafes, and drive-in cinemas, among others, have been allowed to operate starting September 1 under General Community Quarantine guidelines in most areas around the country, including Metro Manila.

Go further emphasized the need to keep the health care system afloat while preparing for the availability of vaccines against COVID-19. He said that most health facilities are already overburdened and while government tries its best to provide for the needs of all Filipinos, every citizen can help through their cooperation and compassion for each other.

"Ang inyong kooperasyon at pagmamalasakit sa kapwa ay makakatulong para mapigilan ang pagkalat ng sakit. Sa inyong sariling paraan, kaya ninyo pong makapagligtas ng buhay ng inyong kapwa," Go said, urging the public to be part of the solution.

"Let us remain vigilant. Sunod lang po sa mga patakaran. Ugaliing magsuot ng mask, observe social distancing, at kung hindi naman kailangan lumabas ay manatili nalang sa bahay upang maiwasan ang hawaan ng sakit," Go added.

The Senator emphasized that vigilance, cooperation and compassion for others are needed to protect the health of Filipinos while balancing the well-being of our economy.

"Tuluy-tuloy ang buhay ng mga tao. Marami ang may kailangan ng kabuhayan at trabaho. Ito ang rason kung bakit unti-unting pinapayagang buksan ang mga negosyo pero kailangan pa ring magawa ito sa ligtas na paraan upang hindi ito magdulot ng panibagong pagtaas ng kaso ng COVID-19," he explained.

"Kaya ko pinapa-alalahanan ang publiko na huwag maging kampante. Remain vigilant. Cooperate by following health and safety protocols. Ito ang mga pangunahing paraan upang proteksyunan ang sarili at bilang pagmamalasakit rin sa kapwa tao," stressed Go.

Meanwhile, Go advised the newly appointed Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) chief, former National Bureau of Investigation Director Dante Gierran, to focus on his mission to cleanse PhilHealth and provide Filipinos the kind of service they deserve as the new head of the agency.

"As mentioned by the President, his job is to stop corruption and give the best service to the people. He must balance improving healthcare services to the public while putting an end to the perennial issues of deep-rooted, systemic corruption plaguing the state health insurance agency for years," Go said.

"Ang magiging misyon ng lider na ito ay ibalik ang tiwala ng taumbayan sa PhilHealth at siguraduhin na ang pondo ay magagamit ng tama para mabigyan ng maayos na serbisyo ang mga Pilipino, lalo na pagdating sa kalusugan," he said.

Duterte, on Monday, August 31, appointed Gierran as the new head of the embattled PhilHealth. Gierran will replace Ricardo Morales, who resigned last week due to his medical condition.