At a hearing conducted by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Friday, August 27, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go appealed to the Department of Health, led by Secretary Francisco Duque III, as well as other concerned agencies, to immediately address the findings of the Commission on Audit so any doubt regarding the use of public funds to address the health crisis can be resolved and the country can focus more on the fight against COVID-19.

In addition, Go gave a personal advice to Duque saying that once they have addressed the issues thrown against them, the Secretary should consider making the ‘supreme sacrifice’ in order not to compromise the efforts of the government in overcoming the crisis.

“Make no mistake, sabi nga ni Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte, may tiwala siya sayo until the end pero mahirap na. You have already done so much for Filipinos. We don’t want that because of issues about you, your output will be compromised, especially now that lives are at stake,” said Go.

“My word of advice is make the supreme sacrifice when the right time comes. For now, may hearing naman tayo dito sa Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. Clear yourself and the DOH, lahat ng empleyado ng DOH and address COA’s findings,” he encouraged.

The Senator, who heads the Senate Committee on Health, underscored the need for the truth to come out in order to maintain the integrity of the government and its personnel.

”Gusto ng tao malaman ang katotohanan. Importante, lumabas kayo na malinis, lumabas ka ng malinis,” added Go.

He further reassured Duque that he continues to hold the trust and confidence of President Duterte. However, Go maintained that the primary consideration now of the whole government should be on overcoming the pandemic and any distraction from the goal may put more lives at risk.

“Mahal ka ng Pangulo at ipinaglalaban ka niya. Alam ko mahal mo rin ang Pangulo. Desisyon mo na ‘yan pagdating ng panahon. But my advice is make the supreme sacrifice alang-alang na lang sa mga kababayan nating Filipinos. Naaawa na rin ako kay Pangulong Duterte, pinapasan na niya ang mundo at lahat ng problema,” continued Go.

Go thanked Duque for his sacrifices and for willingly taking on the challenge to lead the health sector through these unprecedented times.

“Secretary Duque, matagal ka ng kilala ni Pangulo. Alam naman natin, ni Pangulo na isa kang tapat sa tungkulin kaya ikaw ang kanyang pinili (na maging) Secretary. Nakapagserbisyo ka na rin sa ibang administrasyon bilang Health Secretary at tatay mo rin ay naging Health Secretary,” said Go.

“Imbes na mag-retire ka na lang sana, walang masyadong pressure na, inanyayahan kang magsilbi sa bayan muli ni Pangulo Duterte (kaya naman) nagpapasalamat kami sa iyong dakilang sakripisyo,” he added.

Go then emphasized that he supports the ongoing investigation with hopes that this would lead to cases being filed against those who will be found responsible for corruption and other anomalies.

“Suportado ko po ang mga imbestigasyon na ito para po lumabas katotohanan para po managot ang dapat managot. At kasuhan ang dapat managot,” he said.

He, however, appealed to fellow lawmakers and the public for fairness and let due process take its course.

“Labanan po ito ng perception. Kawawa naman po ‘yung napagbibintangang magnanakaw dahil lang sa obserbasyon na hindi pa naman pinal o conclusive. Findings pa lang ay nahuhusgahan na sila. Kawawa naman ‘yung mga nadadamay na tao na wala namang kaalam-alam. Binigyan naman ang DOH ng 60 days (ng COA) para sagutin or i-rectify ang mga obserbasyon sa kanila,” he explained.

“May proseso po tayong dapat sundin, bigyan po natin sila ng pagkakataon na sagutin. Kung hindi masagot o hindi ma-account, kasuhan na po kaagad natin dahil importante po ang bawat piso na pondo po ng bayan. Marami po ang nangangailangan lalong-lalo na po nasa krisis tayo ngayon,” he then urged.

Meanwhile, Go reiterated his and President Duterte’s firm stand in ensuring that no government funds are lost to corruption.

“Ang pangunahing bilin nga ng Pangulo sa kanyang mga ina-appoint, hindi po siya nakikialam paano po nagtatrabaho ang mga tao niya, ito lang po ang sinasabi niya…: “Just do what is right and avoid corruption.” Kapag ginagawa mo ang tama at inuuna mo ang interes ng mga Pilipino, suportado ka namin,” he said.

“Binibigyang halaga ni Pangulong Duterte ang bawat reklamo. Kahit ano man ang reklamo, katukin lang daw siya at handa siya makinig… May proseso pong ginagawa ang Executive branch,” he added.