Senator Bong Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, called on health authorities to take proactive steps in response to the emerging global spread of the new COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1.
While encouraging public vigilance, Go emphasized the importance of a calm, science-based approach guided by facts and readiness amid the evolving situation.
“Ang mahalaga, handa tayo. Alam natin kung nasaan na ang banta, at kung sapat ba ang mga hakbang na ginagawa ng mga ahensya para harapin ito,” the legislator stressed.
The NB.1.8.1 variant, believed to be behind the surge of COVID-19 cases in China and Hong Kong, has been detected in several countries including Taiwan, France, and the United States.
Reports from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that the variant was found in arriving international travelers at airports in California, Washington, New York, and Virginia. It has since been confirmed in multiple states including Ohio, Hawaii, and Rhode Island.
While early studies suggest that NB.1.8.1 is not significantly more immune-evasive than other circulating variants, it exhibits stronger cell-binding capabilities, potentially making it more transmissible.
COVID-19-related hospital admissions and emergency department visits in Hong Kong have reached their most elevated point in more than a year. Similarly, Taiwan has seen a significant surge in critical infections and fatalities, leading its health officials to begin stockpiling vaccines and antiviral medications in preparation for further outbreaks.
The lawmaker acknowledged these developments, noting that the Philippines remains vulnerable due to its open borders and high volume of inbound travelers.
“May proteksyon ba tayo mula sa mga bakuna na naiturok noon?”
“Bukas pa rin ang mga paliparan natin kaya mahalagang tanungin: ano ang sistema ng monitoring na ginagawa ng DOH (Department of Health) ngayon? Handa ba ang mga ospital natin kung sakaling lumala ang sitwasyon? May proteksyon ba tayo mula sa mga bakuna na naiturok noon?” the senator asked.
He also stressed the need for transparency and information-sharing, particularly given concerns that some countries may not be fully disclosing their data.
Go intends to pursue further health reforms to strengthen the country’s healthcare system and address future threats to Filipinos’ health.
“We must work together to bring quality medical services closer to our people, particularly the poor and indigent patients.”
“For my second term, with all sincerity, I will continue to push for pro-poor programs and laws, especially on health. Health is wealth. We must work together to bring quality medical services closer to our people, particularly the poor and indigent patients. Ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he declared during his proclamation as a re-elected senator on May 17.
Among Go’s priority measures is his earlier filed Senate Bill No. 195, which seeks to establish the Philippine CDC–a central agency for disease surveillance, response, and prevention. The CDC is envisioned to strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to both local and global health threats if enacted.
He also served as principal author and co-sponsor of SBN 2893 or the Virology Institute of the Philippines (VIP) Act, which was approved by the Senate on final reading in February. The proposed VIP will serve as the country’s lead research institution focused on virology, vaccine development, and emerging infectious diseases if enacted into law.
As global health experts observe a “more predictable pattern” of biannual COVID-19 surges, typically peaking during the summer and winter seasons, Go reiterated the importance of long-term preparedness over reactive measures.
He maintained that the lessons of the past five years must now be institutionalized through science-backed policymaking and strategic investments in public health systems.
“Hindi tayo dapat magsayang ng pagkakataon. If there’s one lesson we’ve learned from the pandemic, it’s the importance of timely, organized, and science-based response,” Go concluded.
