MANILA – When he delivered his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte mentioned only a few names whom he recognized for their public service.
Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go was one of them, getting appreciation for his big contribution in the establishment of “Malasakit Centers” in Visayas.
“When I decided to establish Malasakit Centers in Cebu, Tacloban and Iloilo, my long-time aide, Bong Go and his team became instrumental in arriving at the right decision through proper consultations,” Duterte said in his 48-minute SONA, his shortest address so far, at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.
Duterte described Go as one of the persons “whom I trust and whose advice I value”.
“In the last two years, experience has taught me that lack of consultation or insufficiency of information can, at times, lead to rush judgments,” Duterte said.
“If and when I am unsure on the most appropriate course of action to take given the problem, it’s factual milieu and the desired end, I never fail to consult to discuss options with persons whom I trust and whose advise I value,” he added.
Upon the directive of the President, “Malasakit Center” was launched to help the poor Filipinos who cannot avail of medical treatment and medicines.
An initial budget of PHP50 million from the President’s socio-civic fund has been allotted for “Malasakit Centers.”
“Malasakit Centers” are available in the cities of Cebu, Tacloban, Dumaguete, Bacolod and in the President’s home city of Davao.
Aside from Go, Duterte also mentioned his spokesperson Harry Roque as author of the Universal Health Care Bill.
Duterte also expressed gratitude to former Chief Justice Reynato Puno and former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. for leading a 25-man Consultative Committee (ConCom) which he tasked to prepare draft a new Constitution that will allow the shift to federal form of government.
On the other hand, Duterte thanked House representatives Dakila Cua, Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Rene Abu, Sharon Garin, Horacio Suansing Jr. and Estrellita Suansing for filing respective versions of Package 2 of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea also received applause when Duterte commended him for leading the ASEAN National Organizing Council that handled the successful hosting of the 50th ASEAN Anniversary and the 31st ASEAN Summit in November last year. (Jelly Musico/PNA)
