* Backs OP and PMS budgets for their
professionalism of Palace employees
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has expressed his full support for the 2023 budgets of the Office of the President and its technical assistance arm, the Presidential Management Staff, during a budget hearing conducted by the Committee on Finance on Tuesday, October 12.
In his speech, Go first congratulated and commended President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for his performance in his first 100 days in office.
“Amid high expectations from the public, the President and his cabinet strategized plans and policies which aimed to give the Filipino people a ‘better’ and ‘safer’ Philippines,” said Go.
Go also commended the President for giving particular emphasis on strengthening the public healthcare system and ensuring an inclusive economic recovery.
“I am certain that with the leadership of President Marcos, together with the Office of the President, Office of the Executive Secretary, and the Presidential Management Staff, the foundation for recovery of health, livelihood, and peace will be strengthened,” said Go.
Go then urged the government to build on the successes of the previous administration and continue to make the lives of Filipinos more comfortable. He also asked the government to “ensure that no one will be left behind in the road towards recovery in support of the current administration’s goals.”
Go then shared his experience working with the PMS and the Office of the Executive Secretary when he was still Special Assistant to the President. He praised the staff for their professionalism and commitment to performing their duties.
“Having been able to work closely with the previous president, from 2016 to 2018, 2019. Nakatrabaho ko po ‘yung mga taga-PMS, OES, mga professionals po iyan,” said Go.
“In fact, maliit na opisina lang po yung akin, ‘yung SAP. ‘Di po ako ang head ng PMS noon, oversight lang. Ayaw ko talaga, ayaw kong mag-head ng PMS dahil puro magagaling ang mga tao diyan, at gusto kong sila mismo ang magpalakad ng opisina dahil alam kong kaya nila,” he recounted.
He also recognized the demands of their work, assuring them of his full support as long as they serve the Filipino people well.
“Naintindihan ko, napakahirap po, minsan 24 hours on call ang mga yan. I understand the burden that you carry there in Malacañang. Alam kong ang hirap ng trabaho,” Go said.
“While others only see the President and his cabinet, you and I know the hardship and challenges that your offices go through, the complete staff work, the piles of documents to be reviewed before it reaches the President’s desk, the coordination needed to put the house in order from the most senior staff members down to the unsung heroes who ensure the success of country’s highest office. Saludo po ako sa mga trabahante diyan sa OP, OES, lalo na sa PMS na nakilala ko rin noong nakaraang anim na taon ni pangulong Duterte,” he recalled.
With this, and with the huge task at hand, Go expressed his full support to the OP, OES and PMS as they continue to serve the Filipino people especially those needing government attention the most.
“Unahin ninyo po yung mga mahihirap po. ‘Yun lang po ang pakiusap ko sa inyo, yung mga walang matakbuhan po, yung mga hopeless, mga helpless. Unahin po natin silang pagsilbihan,” reminded Go.
In his capacity as senator, Go expressed his hopes for the current administration’s success and said he is ready to support its legislative agenda that he believes will advance the welfare of Filipinos.
“Bilang senador, hangad ko rin ang tagumpay ng kanyang administrasyon, ni Pangulong Marcos, at handa akong suportahan ang mga legislative agenda na sa tingin ko ay makakabuti sa ating mga mamamayan,” assured Go.
“Nasa likod niyo po ang milyun-milyong mga Pilipino kaya sigurado akong maipatutupad ninyo ang mga programa na maghahatid sa ating bansa at mga mamamayang Pilipino ng kaunlaran,” he added.