Senator Christopher "Bong" Go responded to those criticizing his closeness with President Rodrigo Duterte by saying that his loyalty and commitment to serve have no end. He added that he is proud of his years of service as an executive assistant and hopes his experience will inspire others to prioritize service for others above self interests. 

 

“Narinig ko sa media na sinasabi ng iilan na senador na ako pero bakit patuloy pa rin akong malapit sa Pangulo ... May nagsasabi, nagpapaka-EA daw ako. Hindi ko ikinakahiya (na since) 1998 pa ako nagtatrabaho sa kanya,” Go said in a privilege speech delivered at the Senate session on Tuesday, August 31. 

 

“Nagpapasalamat ako na kahit isa lang akong munting EA (ay naging Senador ako ngayon). Sa mga EA, huwag kayo mawalan ng pag-asa. Baka kayo rin po maging Senador pagdating ng panahon. Isa lang ang natutunan ko na sana matutunan ninyo—mahalin ninyo ang inyong kapwa Pilipino at hindi kayo magkakamali,” he said.  

 

The Senator, who is currently serving his first term in office, made it clear that he recognizes the responsibility and privilege that comes with his role. He assured that he is performing his duties to the best of his abilities, adding that he would not waste the opportunity given to him as demonstrated by his perfect attendance record in the Senate. 

 

“Noong naihalal ako, hindi ko ikinahiya na ako’y isang simpleng empleyado lang na binigyan ng Panginoon ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo sa aking kapwa Pilipino,” continued Go.

 

“Hindi ko sasayangin 'yan … In fact, I have a perfect attendance in the second regular session, 69 out of 69! I want the public to know that I value the opportunity and privilege that they have given me to be here,” he stressed.  

 

Go continued his speech calling for mutual respect and cooperation among his colleagues. He reaffirmed his desire to work with any member of the Senate, regardless of their political stripes or background, for the benefit of the country.   

 

“Sabi ko nga, patas sana pagtingin natin palagi dahil ako naman ay nagiging patas sa inyong lahat – anumang partido, estado ninyo sa buhay – basta makakabuti sa kapwa ay sinusuportahan ko. Passion ko ang magserbisyo … to the point na naituring na bisyo ko na ito,” he said. 

 

In light of intrigues thrown against him, the Senator clarified that he would never use his position or ties with the President to benefit himself.

 

”Iyung relasyon namin at tiwala namin sa isa't isa, nasa sa amin na iyon. Pero tanggap ng taumbayan ‘yon dahil hindi ko naman ‘yan itinatago … kailanman ay hindi ko ito ginamit para sa pansarili kong interes. Palagi kong inuuna ang interes ng bayan at interes ng kapwa ko Pilipino,” reassured Go, before issuing a warning to those spreading black propaganda and fake news. 

 

“Malinis ang aming hangarin. Pangalan lang at prinsipyo ang pinanghahawakan namin dito at hinding-hindi namin ito sisirain. At hindi rin kami papayag na sirain kami ng ibang tao na ang ipinaglalaban ang kanilang pansariling hangarin,” he promised.  

 

In the end, Go maintained that his personal relationships do not influence his professional judgment as he avoids situations that may compromise his impartiality.

 

“Nangako ako sa Pangulo, hindi ko siya iiwanan habang buhay at amin na lang iyon dahil mahal ko ang Pangulo. As long as walang conflict sa trabaho ko at ginagampanan ko ang trabaho ko, wala kang karapatang kwestyunin ito,” said Go.