Senator Bong Go honored the life, achievements, and aspirations of the late student-athlete Rene “Bobet” Baterbonia, as he renewed his call for stronger safeguards to protect the safety and welfare of young athletes across the country.
In co-sponsoring Senate Resolution No. 472, Go said Baterbonia’s death was a great loss not only to basketball but to the entire Philippine sporting community.
“Bilang isa rin pong basketball enthusiast mula seven years old pa po, ang pagkamatay po ni Baterbonia is a great loss not only to the sport of basketball but the whole Philippine sporting community, and the nation mourned his tragic passing,” the veteran legislator said.
The seasoned lawmaker lamented that the young athlete’s life and promising career ended at an early age despite the sacrifices he had made to pursue his education and develop his talent.
“Hindi masamang mangarap, pero ang masakit lang nito, masyadong naputol ang buhay ng isang kababayan natin na talagang nagsikap mula po sa Agusan del Sur, pumunta ng Davao City upang makapag-aral, naging scholar, at malayo pa ang mararating ng batang ito kung hindi po naputol sa maagang edad,” the senator said.
Born and raised in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, Baterbonia moved to Davao City to continue his studies and pursue opportunities in basketball.
He represented the Davao Region in competitions and was named Most Valuable Player in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa. He also helped the Davao Regional Athletic Association secure its first Palarong Pambansa basketball title.
Baterbonia was likewise part of the team that won a gold medal at the 14th ASEAN Schools Games in Brunei.
Go said the young athlete’s achievements reflected years of discipline, hard work, and sacrifice, as well as his determination to improve the condition of his family.
“Lumaki si Bobet sa isang simpleng pamilya. Ang nanay po niya, si Rovelyn, ay nagtitinda ng isda sa palengke habang ang kaniyang tatay naman po, si Rene Sr., ay isang tricycle driver,” he said.
“Sa kabila ng kanilang kalagayan sa buhay, hindi siya nawalan ng pag-asa at mangarap sa buhay.”
“Sa kabila ng kanilang kalagayan sa buhay, hindi siya nawalan ng pag-asa at mangarap sa buhay,” Go added.
According to the senator, Baterbonia dreamed not only of succeeding as an athlete but also of helping his parents and supporting the education of his siblings.
“Ang pinakamalaking pangarap niya ay hindi lamang ang magtagumpay bilang atleta, kundi ang maiahon ang kanyang pamilya sa kahirapan at mapag-aral ang kanyang mga kapatid,” he said.
As a fellow Mindanaoan and longtime basketball enthusiast, Go personally visited Baterbonia’s wake to extend his condolences and assistance to the athlete’s parents and relatives.
“Bilang isang kapwa taga-Mindanao at isa ring atleta at basketball player mula pa noong aking kabataan, personal ko pong pinuntahan ang burol ni Bobet at nakiramay sa mga kaanak at mga magulang ni Bobet,” he said.
Go also filed Senate Resolution No. 449 expressing the Senate’s profound sympathy and deepest condolences to the families of Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
He said the resolution recognizes two young athletes whose lives showed dedication, discipline, and promise in Philippine sports.
Go, who chairs the Senate Committees on Sports and on Youth, also cited Senate Bill No. 2261, which seeks to establish a Comprehensive Student-Athlete Safety and Welfare Policy.
The proposed measure would direct the Philippine Sports Commission, in coordination with relevant government agencies and stakeholders, to formulate and implement a National Student-Athlete Safety Code.
Go said the proposal seeks to prevent similar tragedies by establishing clearer safeguards for student-athletes during training, competitions, travel, and other sports-related activities.
“Meron na pong initial hearing ang ating Basic Education Committee Chairperson, Senator Bam Aquino, tungkol dito para maiwasan yung ganitong pangyayari,” he said.
“Being a student-athlete, Bobet’s dedication and sacrifice representing the country and his respective school was an inspiration to the youth,” Go emphasized.
Through Senate Resolution No. 472, introduced by Senator Robinhood Padilla, the Senate recognizes Baterbonia’s contributions to Philippine basketball, including his gold medal at the ASEAN Schools Games, his Palarong Pambansa MVP award, and his role in Davao Region’s historic championship.
Go said the athlete’s passing serves as a painful reminder of how quickly the dreams and future of a young person can be taken away by a tragedy that might have been prevented.
“Ang pagkawala ng musmos na buhay ni Bobet ay isang masakit na paalala sa atin sa mga pangarap at kinabukasang biglaang naputol dahil sa isang trahedyang maaari naman sanang maiwasan.”
“Ang pagkawala ng musmos na buhay ni Bobet ay isang masakit na paalala sa atin sa mga pangarap at kinabukasang biglaang naputol dahil sa isang trahedyang maaari naman sanang maiwasan,” he said.
“Indeed, a lost life is a lost life forever. Hindi na po natin maibabalik ito. Walang makapapalit sa mga pangarap, pagkakataon, at kinabukasang nawala,” Go added.
He said Baterbonia would continue to inspire young Filipinos through his talent, character, determination, and love for his family.
“Mananatiling inspirasyon si Bobet Baterbonia sa mga kabataang Pilipino dahil sa kaniyang talento, kabutihan, pagiging mabait na bata, at pagmamahal sa pamilya,” Go concluded.
