Go Urges Prioritizing Disaster Victims Over Ghost Projects
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has renewed his appeal for the national government to redirect resources toward victims of recent natural disasters. In a statement issued this weekend, Go criticized the use of public funds on alleged ghost projects and flood-control programs that he says are being unfairly exploited by a few, calling for a more compassionate and results-centered allocation of aid.
The call comes amid a spate of emergencies that have stretched relief efforts across the country, from devastating earthquakes to powerful typhoons. Go, who was in Davao Occidental for the inauguration of a Super Health Center in Don Marcelino town, described experiencing a strong ground shake as the event proceeded. He said the incident did not deter his team from continuing to serve affected residents, underscoring the resilience and dedication of those on the front lines of relief operations.
“While we were serving our fellow Filipinos in Davao Occidental, the ground suddenly shook. But despite the fear, our hearts remain ready to help all those affected,” Go stated. He subsequently visited nearby quake-hit areas to assess damage, distribute relief goods, and offer condolences to families who lost loved ones after the ceremony.
Relief Efforts and Ongoing Assistance
Go highlighted ongoing Malasakit Center operations and relief missions that have reached victims across multiple regions. He noted that the Malasakit team has been conducting continuous relief work for earthquake victims in Cebu and for communities struck by typhoons Nando and Opong in Masbate and parts of Luzon. The senator framed these efforts as a sustained commitment to those in disaster-stricken areas, not as one-off gestures.
As the government grapples with the immediate needs of affected residents, Go emphasized the importance of infrastructure and livelihood projects that directly benefit disaster-hit communities. He argued that recovery is a long-term process that requires reliable funding, transparent management, and a focus on tangible outcomes, such as healthcare access, job opportunities, and resilient housing.
Healthcare for Disaster-Prone Areas
A core element of Go’s advocacy is the nationwide expansion of accessible healthcare through Super Health Centers and Malasakit Centers. He framed healthcare access as a critical pillar of resilience in disaster-prone and underserved areas, where timely medical care can determine recovery trajectories for families and communities after calamities. The Super Health Center initiative, paired with the Malasakit program, aims to streamline healthcare assistance for poor and vulnerable populations by consolidating services at local facilities and reducing bureaucratic hurdles for patients seeking care.
Accountability and Efficient Use of Public Funds
Central to Go’s message is accountability. He urged authorities to scrutinize how public funds are utilized, warning against payments to projects that do not deliver tangible benefits to disaster victims. The senator called for transparency and efficiency in implementing infrastructure and flood-control measures, stressing that funds should be steered toward those who truly need them during and after disasters, rather than being diverted to questionable initiatives.
A Call for Compassionate Continuity
Go reminded government agencies that compassion must be ongoing. Victims of past disasters remain in need of support as communities rebuild. In a time of multiple emergencies, he urged continued relief operations, rehabilitation programs, and investments in resilient systems that can withstand future calamities. His stance aligns with a broader push within the government to integrate disaster response with healthcare, social support, and sustainable development.
Ultimately, Go’s remarks center on a pragmatic approach to governance: prioritize relief, invest in people, and ensure that public funds reach the most vulnerable. As the Philippines continues to face natural hazards, his call for prioritizing calamity victims over ghost projects resonates with citizens seeking accountability, transparency, and real improvements in the safety and well-being of their communities.
Looking Ahead
As the government weighs its next steps, the emphasis on expanding Super Health Centers and Malasakit Centers could shape how disaster relief is delivered at the local level. The goal, supporters say, is a more resilient nation where health care, livelihood restoration, and infrastructure go hand in hand with transparent governance.
