Bong Go defends 'probinsyanos' in public service; reiterates PRRD's warning to all appointed officials: 'Do what is right and stay away from corruption'

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go slammed criticisms directed at President Rodrigo Duterte for appointing persons hailing from Davao City, saying that the President carefully considers the candidates' qualifications and competence while ensuring they are aligned with his administration's priorities.

"Kami ni Pangulong Duterte ay mga probinsyano na nagtatrabaho ng matino, tumutulong sa mga Pilipino at nagsusumikap na maibangon sa krisis ang ating bansa. Ano ang masama kung kumuha siya ng mga probinsiyano para tulungan siyang magserbisyo sa bayan?," asked Go.

In a privilege speech at the Senate Session on Tuesday, August 31, Go pointed out that trustworthiness is equally considered together with merit and qualifications when it comes to appointing officials in any office.

"Bakit issue na ngayon na puro taga-Davao ang na-a-appoint? Anong masama kung sila ang pinagkakatiwalaan ng Pangulo? Ano tingin niyo sa Pangulo, hindi marunong kumilatis?," Go dared.

"Huwag kayong magmalinis. Sa mga opisina ninyo, wala ba kayong katrabaho na kamag-anak, ka-fraternity, ka-probinsya, o kaibigan? Sabi ko nga, doon lang po sana tayo sa totoo. Maging patas po tayo," he added.

The Senator made it clear that President Duterte holds the prerogative in appointing his officials as provided by the law.

"Napaka-unfair naman sa mga iilang abogado na mula sa Davao (City) na may sariling career, na nag-aral ... Hindi naman bulag ang Pangulo. Sila ay mismong pinipili ni Pangulong Duterte, being the appointing authority," said Go.

"Kahit anumang administrasyon iyan, reality is that appointments are not only based on merit but also trust, whether it's in the capacity of the person or his character ... Nagkataon lang na ako ang naging tulay kay Pangulong Duterte."

Go also stated that regardless of the affinities of appointed officials, President Duterte has not failed in reminding them to always perform their duties with public interest in mind and avoid corruption.

"Sa dami niyan, hindi siya nakikialam paano niya patakbuhin ang opisina. Hindi siya nakikialam sino 'yung mga kasamahan sa opisina. Isa lang ang pinagbibilin niya parati: 'Just do what is right and avoid corruption'," said Go.

"'Iyan lang ang pinagbibilin niya. Hindi man niya nakakausap ang mga taong iyon, noon pa, sinasabihan niya ako, 'Sabihin mo nga 'yun to just do what is right and avoid corruption'. Hindi ... kami nagkulang sa pagpapaalala. Wala sa usapan ang korapsyon. Kung gusto mo talagang tumulong sa administrasyon, gagawin mo kung ano ang tama," he emphasized.

The Senator reassured that he and President Duterte are one in the fight against corruption. If any irregularity is proven, he urged that cases be filed immediately against those found to have misused the public's funds so they can be held accountable and punished.

"We are one with you in eradicating corruption in this country. Now, if you believe that people have committed crimes and should be punished, then file the necessary cases or give our prosecutors sufficient evidence to ensure that these people are indeed punished," continued Go.

Go also stated that he has always stood by his principles and discharged his duties to the public with fidelity, in line with the President's vision of a clean government.

"Sa nag-aakusa sa akin, huwag mo akong itulad sa inyo. Dahil ako, nagtratrabaho ng matino dito. Kung ako ang inuugnay mo sa korapsyon o pang-iimpluwensya upang magkaroon ng anomalya, nagkakamali ka. Iyan lang ang puhunan ko dito -- prinsipyo at pagseserbisyo ko sa kapwa ko Pilipino," said Go.

"Hindi ako pulitiko na lalabas lang tuwing may eleksyon at naninira pa ng kapwa, nandadamay pa ng kapwa senador para lang sumikat. Probinsyano lang kami ni Pangulong Duterte na ginagawa ang lahat ng aming makakaya upang tuparin ang ipinangako namin sa taumbayan."