Photo credit: Bong Go

Senator Bong Go isn’t ready to sign off on the Bicameral Conference Committee report just yet. In a statement released earlier, Go clarified that he hasn’t put his signature on the report regarding the proposed 2025 national budget.

“Hindi pa ako pumipirma sa Bicameral Conference Committee report on the disagreeing votes on the proposed 2025 budget,” he explained, echoing Senator Bato dela Rosa's stance of carefully reviewing the details first. According to Go, the report was only presented to them earlier in the morning, and he wants to thoroughly study it before making any decisions.

The senator also revealed that certain provisions in the report raised red flags for him, particularly the reported removal of PhilHealth’s proposed budget. As the Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance and Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go emphasized his responsibility to ensure public funds are used properly, especially for healthcare programs.

“Nais ko munang siguraduhin na bawat piso ng bayan ay magagamit nang tama at ang mga programa para sa kalusugan ay sapat na mapopondohan,” Go said.

He underscored the struggles faced by many Filipinos today, saying, “Marami po ang naghihirap at marami ang nagugutom. Hindi tayo papayag na maisantabi lamang ang ating mga adhikain na ipinaglalaban para maproteksyunan ang kalusugan at buhay ng bawat Pilipino.”

Senator Go assured the public that he would present his findings during the Senate plenary session for the budget's ratification. His message is clear: when it comes to the health and welfare of the Filipino people, no budget allocation should be compromised.