Senator Bong Go emphasized the need to protect Filipinos’ right to fair and transparent access to government assistance as he co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 254, or the proposed Anti-Discrimination in the Delivery of Social Protection Programs Act.
The measure aims to penalize any form of selective, discretionary, or discriminatory acts in the delivery of social protection services.
Go underscored that the bill is grounded on the constitutional mandate to promote social justice and uphold every Filipino’s right to a dignified existence.
The veteran legislator reiterated that genuine public service must be rooted in compassion and equality, not political affiliation or personal connections.
“Ang tunay na serbisyo publiko ay hindi nakabatay sa pagkakakilanlan, o sa koneksyon.”
“Naniniwala po ako na ang pagtulong ay dapat sa paraang walang bahid ng pulitika. Ang tunay na serbisyo publiko ay hindi nakabatay sa pagkakakilanlan, o sa koneksyon, kundi sa pangangailangan at karapatan ng bawat Pilipino. Ang bawat ayuda, bawat programa, at bawat piso ng kaban ng bayan ay dapat gamitin nang tapat, patas, at may malasakit, upang maramdaman ng ating mga kababayan na ang gobyerno ay tunay na nasa kanilang panig, lalo na sa panahon ng sakuna, krisis, at kahirapan,” the seasoned lawmaker stated.
The senator also reminded government agencies to ensure that their procedures do not burden those already suffering from crises or disasters. He stressed the importance of efficient and compassionate governance, especially when providing relief and assistance to the most vulnerable sectors.
“In fact, Mr. President, it has been my consistent reminder to every government agency not to add further burden to Filipinos already in crisis, but instead to act swiftly and streamline their processes in the delivery of assistance,” he said.
Go cited his frequent dialogues with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), urging them to eliminate red tape and avoid delays and discrimination in the distribution of aid.
“I have also encouraged them (DSWD) to expedite their validation process and prioritize the needs of qualified beneficiaries to ensure that government assistance truly reaches and benefits those who need it the most,” he explained.
As part of his continuing legislative efforts to institutionalize social welfare mechanisms, Go mentioned that he has filed a measure to institutionalize the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Program. The proposed law aims to provide DSWD with a solid legal foundation to ensure that assistance remains timely, fair, and compassionate.
“Through this measure, distressed families will have a reliable and accessible avenue to seek help whenever a crisis arises.”
“Through this measure, distressed families will have a reliable and accessible avenue to seek help whenever a crisis arises. This proposed law establishes a long-term commitment to social protection, ensuring continuity, accountability, and compassion in government service, thereby strengthening public trust in our institutions tasked with extending aid in times of need,” he said.
Go emphasized that the government’s responsibility must be guided by both compassion and good governance, especially amid natural disasters that continue to test the Filipino people’s resilience.
He concluded his co-sponsorship speech by asserting that public office is a position of accountability, not privilege. Every act of aid, Go said, should reflect integrity and genuine concern for the people.
“Let this measure serve as a firm reminder that public service is not about power, but responsibility—that every peso of public funds must be used with integrity, every program implemented with fairness, and every act of aid delivered with a genuine heart for service,” he declared.
