Bong Go co-sponsors bill to address perennial issues of systemic corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies in gov't

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go co-sponsored a bill which seeks to authorize the President - during times of national emergency - to suspend the requirements for national and local permits, licenses and certifications, and to streamline and expedite the processing for the issuance of the same.

During the Senate regular session on Wednesday, October 7, Go expressed his support for Senate Bill No. 1844, saying that it is one of the measures requested by President Rodrigo Duterte from Senate President Vicente Sotto III to fight corruption in the government.

"We have to take radical steps to cut corruption and simplify the requirements and steps in doing business in our country," Go explained.

Go explained that President Rodrigo Duterte is clear in his message and has built this administration on a strict anti-corruption stand.

"This is especially important in these times as our economy recovers from the results of the pandemic," Go emphasized.

He added that efforts must be directed in fixing the bureaucratic problem, not just to improve ease of doing business but also to curb corruption.

"At alam mismo ng mga negosyante 'yan, 'yung mga pinapatulog (na papel). Para sa amin ni Pangulo, this is plain and simple negligence po on the part of the government worker. Merong tinatago at merong hinihintay. At mismo pong si Senator Cynthia Villar, alam niya, dahil nagnegosyo po 'yung pamilya nila sa Davao," Go explained.

"Ayaw na ayaw ni Pangulo Duterte na pinapatagal, at parati niyang pinagbibilin, kapag merong mga negosyanteng nag-o-offer po ng mga suhol, ang parating pinagbibilin po ni mayor Duterte, huwag ninyong tulungan. Pero kapag walang binibigay, tulungan ninyo, turuan ninyo lang kung ano ang dapat gawin, at sumunod lang po sa proseso," Go added.

Go echoed President Duterte's remarks that the current administration must make government transactions more efficient and responsive to the needs of the people.

"Katulad po ng sinabi ng Pangulo sa kanyang pakikipag-usap sa publiko noong nakaraang Lunes, why would they take, for example, one month when it can be done in one week or even three days? During his time as mayor of Davao City, three days lang talaga. If it takes more than three days, mayor required an explanation in writing why it took more than three days or else he will file --- diretso na sa Ombudsman," Go narrated.

While a lot still needs to be done, Go acknowledged that the government has made progress in its fight against red tape.

"Matagal na pong problema ito. Kung hindi pa magsabi ang Pangulo, hindi pa rin ito mabibigyan ng pansin. In fact, sabi po ni Secretary Año noong Lunes, bumilis ang pag-approve ng mga LGUs ng permits and licenses. Tumaas ang number of approved applications," he said.

"This is good. I hope this is the start of real change in how we deliver public services. Pero sana hindi na kailangan i-remind pa. Trabaho natin yan. Gumalaw na tayo bago pa tayo sabihan," he added.

Go, then, urged the Filipino people to help the government by reporting any wrongdoings and filing appropriate complaints against erring government officials.

"Where you see opportunistic public officials, file complaints. Point them out to us and we will see to it that they are held accountable," he said, urging Filipinos to know their rights and demand the best because they deserve nothing less from their government.

Go, then, thanked government workers who have untiringly dedicated their lives in serving the Filipino people especially during the crisis brought about by COVID-19 pandemic. He, however, called out erring officials and warned them that they will be held accountable for their misgivings.

"Now, to those who continue with their ill practices, mahiya naman kayo. Maliit na bagay, pinapatulog ninyo ang papel. I am telling you, yayariin talaga kayo. Bilang na ang mga araw ninyo," he said.

"Sa mga - sa (Bureau of Immigration), 'yung kahapon po, mayroon pong hearing sa pastillas, by Chairperson Risa Hontiveros, marami pong nababanggit doon na talagang korap. Sabi ng Pangulo, pili lang kayo, you resign, or lumayas na lang kayo, or kung handa naman kayong kainin 'yung pastillas na mismong perang ninakaw ninyo ang palaman," Go warned.

Go also mentioned that he continues to push for measures which will improve the delivery of public services and make it more convenient for the Filipinos.

"Hindi lang po itong Ease of Doing Business, but also other measures, such as my own proposed bill on, ito pong E-Governance, as it will guide the country in harnessing the power of information and communications technology to change the way the government works with the people and the business sector. I hope that in time, suportahan rin po natin ito," he said.

Go also acknowledged and thanked the members of the Senate minority bloc for supporting the President's call to immediately address perennial problems in government caused by bureaucratic inefficiencies and systemic corruption.

"I just want to extend my sincerest thanks to our Big Brother, Sen. Drilon, for his willingness to help the administration in our fight against corruption, it only shows we are one against corruption," he said.