Senator Bong Go expressed concern over reports of possible budget decreases for Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) during the budget briefing of the Department of National Defense (DND).
“Nabasa ko po medyo bumaba yata ang budget ng VMMC for 2026. Sana po ay masuportahan po ang sapat na pondo para dito,” Go said.
The veteran legislator referred to VMMC’s budget request of P4.9 billion for 2026. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), however, approved only 65.84%, or P3.241 billion in the National Expenditure Program.
“As a health advocate, we also want to ensure the health and well-being of our soldiers.”
“As a health advocate, we also want to ensure the health and well-being of our soldiers, and we want them to have accessible medical service,” the seasoned lawmaker explained.
Go, the Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense, added, “Isa ang Veterans Memorial Medical Center na government hospital na may Malasakit Center. At isa rin ang VMMC na sinuportahan ni dating Pangulong Duterte pagdating sa operations at equipment.”
He commended the brave men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for carrying out their duties properly and effectively.
“Sa likod po ng mabigat na mandato, ang ating sandatahang lakas na laging nasa frontline upang masiguro ang ating kaligtasan sa loob at labas ng ating bansa,” Go said.
He enumerated the instances when the AFP had shown its mettle, which included the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Marawi conflict, and the disasters that occurred in the country. And by supporting the budget of the AFP, Go underscored, is one way to show recognition and respect to the military organization.
“Sa pamamagitan po ng budgetary support ay kahit papaano maipapakita natin ang respeto at pagkilala ng sandatahang lakas.”
“I just want to reiterate: full support ako sa mga sundalo, kahit noong panahon ng pandemya, gyera sa Marawi, at mga sakuna. Sa pamamagitan po ng budgetary support ay kahit papaano maipapakita natin ang respeto at pagkilala ng sandatahang lakas dahil buhay po mismo nila ang nakataya sa pagsesrbisyo sa ating bansa,” he said.
As a health reform advocate, and former Chair and now Vice Chair of the Senate Health Committee, Go has strived to ensure that medical services are available to all Filipinos.
“Dapat siguraduhin ng gobyerno na ang serbisyong pangkalusugan ay abot-kamay, abot-kaya at maaasahan ng lahat,” he pointed out.
“No Filipino should be deprived of medical services simply because they cannot afford them. Healthcare is not a luxury. It is a necessity and a right that we must uphold and protect,” Go concluded.
The VMMC is a Level III, 766-bed capacity hospital intended to give medical care to veterans and retired military personnel as well as their dependents.
