Bong Go tells concerned agencies to utilize Bayanihan 2 funds prudently and graft-free, ensure that the poor and vulnerable sectors reap its benefits

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go urged the government to ensure the prudent utilization of funds provided in Republic Act 11494, otherwise known as the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, after President Rodrigo Duterte signed the measure on Friday, September 11. He also highlighted the need for the poor and vulnerable sectors to reap the benefits of the law.

"Uulitin ko po ang lagi kong pinapaalala sa ating mga executive agencies: Siguraduhin natin na magagamit ang pera ng bayan ng tama, siguraduhin natin na makakarating ang tulong sa pinaka-nangangailangan at pinaka-apektado nating mga kababayan. At siguraduhin natin na walang pinipiling oras ang ating pagtulong at pagserbisyo sa bayan," Go said.

"I would like to confirm, gusto ng Presidente na transparent ang Executive and lahat ay accounted sa kung saan nagastos ang pera ng gobyerno," he added.

The Bayanihan 2 measure provides a COVID-19 recovery fund worth P165.5 billion. P140 billion is allotted for regular appropriation and P25.5 billion in standby funds.

The measure seeks to finance various programs of the government, such as the improvement of the healthcare system, implementation of a cash-for-work program, assistance to industries affected by the pandemic, especially the agriculture sector, and the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines, among other interventions.

Go, then, pressed for the corruption-free spending of the Bayanihan 2 funds. He assured that significant safeguards are in place to assure that the disbursement of the funds will be graft-free.

"Sa anumang mga hakbang na gagawin ng gobyerno at pati ng mga ordinaryong mamamayan, palagi nating unahin ang buhay at kapakanan ng kapwa nating Pilipino," Go stressed.

"Huwag po nating hayaan na magamit ang pondong ito sa korapsyon. Bilang senador, sisiguraduhin ko na mananagot ang sinumang gagamit sa perang ito sa hindi tamang paraan," he added.

Go also said he would not hesitate to "talk like an opposition" when it comes to corruption issues in order to expose wrongdoings and hold the culprits accountable.

"As a legislator, parte ng mandato ko ang mag-fiscalize at siguraduhin na nasusunod o naiimplementa ang mga batas. Sa mga kasamahan ko sa gobyerno, kahit magka-alyado tayo, basta may mali, magsasalita po ako. Umabot na sa punto na sinabihan ako ng Pangulo na 'to talk like an opposition' kapag corruption na ang pinag-uusapan," he said.

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

He also assured that the poor and vulnerable sectors will be prioritized once a vaccine for the disease is available.

"Kapag dumating ang panahon na mayroon nang vaccine at gamot laban sa COVID-19, bibigyan natin ng prayoridad ang lahat ng Pilipinong nangangailangan nito, lalo na ang mga mahihirap," he explained.

The standby fund in Bayanihan 2 includes an allocation of P10 billion for COVID-19 testing and procurement of medicines and vaccines.

Go, then, 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.

"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.