Bong Go to OFWs: you always have a home here; says assurance of security and provision of sufficient food and financial assistance needed to successfully implement lockdown measures to defeat COVID-19

Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go on Monday, March 23, said that it is important for the government to ensure the security of Filipino families through the provision of much needed food and financial assistance while most areas in the country undergo enhanced community quarantine to deter the further spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country.

"We want everyone to 'Stay home'. But for that to happen, we have to make sure that we are able to sufficiently provide them with the necessary means to take care of their families and ensure the security they need in order to remain in their homes," Go said in his speech during a special session conducted to deliberate the passage of Senate Bill (SB) No. 1418, also known as the "Bayanihan to Heal as One Act."

As the Senate deliberated to grant the executive branch of the government the authority and flexibility it needs to address the COVID-19 situation with urgency, Go demanded concerned executive departments to continue serving the Filipinos well amid the imposition of the community quarantine measure to safeguard them from the pandemic.

"Tulad sa Department of Agriculture, gawin natin ang lahat para masigurong walang magugutom na Pilipino habang nilalabanan natin itong virus na ito. Make sure we have sufficient supply of food. Aanhin natin ang pondo kung kulang naman ang supply?" Go said.

"Sa Department of Trade and Industry, please ensure the unhampered movement of basic goods and necessities. Bantayan ninyo ang supply, ang presyo, at itigil ninyo ang lahat ng nagsasamantala sa panahong ito.

"Para naman sa Department of Social Welfare and Development, Sec. Rolly, at iba pang ahensya na nakatutok sa mga ordinaryong Pilipino, siguruhin natin na makakarating ang tulong sa mga mahihirap at sa mga taong pinaka-nangangailangan," he added.

The Senator also urged the government agencies to ensure that Filipinos feel its support during the COVID-19 situation, most especially the vulnerable groups.

"Siguraduhin natin na mararamdaman ang tulong ng gobyerno ng mga taong pinaka-apektado sa krisis na ito - ang mga taong walang maaasahang iba, mga walang trabaho, at 'yung mga walang savings. Tutukan natin ang mga vulnerable groups, tulad ng senior citizens, persons with disabilities, at indigent indigenous peoples," he said.

"Alalayan rin natin ang mga informal economy workers - mga vendors at Public Utility Vehicle drivers, tulad ng mga namamasada ng taxi, tricycle, bus, jeep at iba pa. Pati na rin po ang mga trisikad, pedikab, habal-habal at mga nagtatrabaho sa Transportation Network Vehicle Services o TNVS, katulad ng Grab, Angkas, Joyride. Lalong lalo na po ang mga kababayan natin na 'isang kahig, isang tuka' - mga daily wage earners na kinailangang tumigil sa pagtatrabaho para maging ligtas mula sa pagkalat ng sakit na ito," he added.

Citing the burden placed on Filipinos as they go through the enhanced quarantine measures, Go said that it is the responsibility of the government to secure and sustain their needs as their lives grind to a halt.

"Responsibilidad natin na alagaan ang ating mga kababayan natin na pinilit nating hindi lumabas ng kanilang mga bahay," he said.

"Nag-impose tayo ng strict measures para maprotektahan ang kalusugan nila pero hindi dapat doon nagtatapos ang responsibilidad natin sa pag-aalaga sa kanila," he said.

Go also took the opportunity to address the overseas Filipino workers. He said that the Philippines is their home and they will always be welcome and taken care of here.

"Ang stand po ng ating Pangulo ay tanggapin niya ang mga Pilipino na gustong umuwi dahil kung pati sa sariling bansa nila ay ayaw sila tanggapin, saan pa sila pupunta?," Go cited.

"Maglalaan po tayo ng pondo para mailigtas kayo kung asan man kayong parte ng mundo kung nais ninyong umuwi. Sisiguraduhin rin natin na may pasilidad dito sa bansa na komportable na pwede kayong tumuloy pag-uwi ninyo habang naka-quarantine o habang hindi kayo makauwi sa inyong probinsiya dahil sa lockdown. Para ito sa inyong kaligtasan at kaligtasan ng ibang mga Pilipino dito sa ating bansa," he explained.