During the 2026 Philippine Councilors League (PCL) National Congress and the First Quarterly Continuing Local Legislative Education Program (CLLEP) on Thursday, March 5, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go commended local legislators for going beyond their lawmaking duties and adopting a more hands-on approach in delivering services to their constituents.
He reminded fellow legislators that their responsibilities extend beyond crafting ordinances, emphasizing the importance of engaging directly with communities and responding to the needs of ordinary Filipinos.
“Alam ninyo, pareho po tayong mga legislators. Ang pagkakaiba lang po ay national ang aking scope. Pero tandaan natin, huwag nating limitahan ang ating trabaho. Ang trabaho po natin ay legislation, constituency, at representation. Nakikiusap po ako na tulungan natin ang mga mahihirap at bukas ang ating opisina para sa mga kababayan natin,” he added.
Go also underscored the importance of accountability and integrity in public service, stressing that the trust given by the people must be safeguarded through honest governance.
“Public service is about putting people first. Unahin ang interes ng bayan at ang interes ng mga Pilipino. Mahalaga po ang accountability. Ang tiwala ng taumbayan ay hindi basta ibinibigay—ito ay pinaghihirapan at pinangangalagaan. Bilang mga halal na opisyal, tungkulin nating tiyakin na bawat desisyon, bawat pondo, at bawat programa ay para sa kapakanan ng ating mga nasasakupan,” Go said.
“Sa gulo ng mundo ngayon, sa Middle East at maging sa politika, umaasa tayo na bumalik sa normal ang sitwasyon upang makapagtrabaho tayo nang maayos para sa ating mga kababayan. Huwag nating kalimutan na labanan ang korapsyon sa gobyerno. Managot po ang dapat managot,” he added, drawing loud applause from the audience.
The senator recognized the councilors in attendance from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, and lauded their commitment to public service and responsible leadership in their respective communities.
A member of the Senate Committee on Local Government, Go reiterated his continued push for measures that strengthen local governance and support barangay officials and frontline workers.
Among these initiatives is Republic Act No. 11466, which he lauthored and co-sponsored. The law provides salary adjustments for government personnel, including public healthcare workers.
He also filed Senate Bill No. 197, which seeks to grant barangay officials benefits similar to those of regular government employees if enacted into law.
Go likewise continues to advocate for Senate Bill No. 412, which he refiled in the 20th Congress. The measure aims to institutionalize compensation and benefits for barangay health workers, recognizing their vital role in delivering primary healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities.
During the event, Go also acknowledged the PCL national officers, including Chairman Muntinlupa City Councilor Atty. Raul Corro, President Mandaluyong City Councilor Benjamin Abalos II, Vice Chairman Toledo City Councilor Ricardo Pepito, Vice President Iligan City Councilor Samuel Huertas, Secretary General Naujan Councilor General Marion Marcos, Treasurer Laoag City Councilor Jaybee Baquiran, Auditor Binmaley Councilor Jallen Alipio, and Public Relations Officer Bais City Councilor Bruno Bouffard III.
He also mentioned fellow senator Bam Aquino, Acting Secretary Rolando Toledo and former Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjur Abalos, who were present during the gathering.
Reinforcing his advocacy for responsive governance and accessible public services, Go encouraged local officials to ensure that national programs are effectively implemented at the grassroots level.
“Leadership is a continuous learning process. Maraming salamat po sa inyong dedikasyon at sakripisyo. Magkaiba man ang ating posisyon, iisa lang ang ating adhikain—mas maayos at makabagong pamamahala para sa mga Pilipino,” Go concluded.
