Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has urged Filipinos to responsibly exercise their right to vote as he reassured them that the government will ensure clean and peaceful elections, emphasizing that the country’s future is on the line.

During an ambush interview after providing assistance to fire victims in Pasig City on Tuesday, May 3, Go urged Filipinos to exercise their right to vote, urging them to elect leaders who would ensure the continuity of programs benefitting the poor towards providing a more comfortable life for all as promised by President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Huwag n’yo pong sayangin ang inyong boto. Piliin n’yo po kung sino ‘yung nararapat, piliin n’yo po kung sino ‘yung mas makakatulong sa inyo at maiahon po at maipagpatuloy ‘yung mga programa ni Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte na nakakatulong naman po sa mga kababayan nating mahihirap,” said Go.

The senator also assured the public that Duterte will do everything in his power to protect the country’s democratic process through a clean and peaceful elections.

“Nakatutok po ang ating mahal na Pangulo na to ensure peaceful and honest elections at maiwasan po ‘yung dahas. At hindi po papayag si Pangulong Duterte na magkaroon ng dayaan,” said Go.

“Knowing the President for 24 years, gusto niya po respetuhin natin ang will of the people. Kung ano po ‘yung gusto ng tao, kung ano po ‘yung nasa dibdib nila… iyon ang gustong proteksyunan ng Pangulo,” he added.

Go underlined the importance of maintaining the integrity of the election results, claiming that the country’s future is at stake. He emphasized that the election’s credibility must be preserved in order for the public to trust the outcome.

“At napakaimportante po nitong eleksyon na ito kasi kung ano po ang magiging outcome nito, nakasalalay po ang susunod na anim na taon ng ating buhay dito sa eleksyon na ito,” said Go.

“Dapat maging credible po ito at mapagkatiwalaan po itong eleksyon na ito kasi importante po ito sa atin. ‘Yung respeto po sa ating ihahalal na mga lider sa mga susunod na taon,” he added.

Meanwhile, Go said he is open to proposals to place vaccination centers near polling precincts during the elections to encourage more Filipinos to obtain their immunizations and booster doses. He clarified though that this should not adversely affect or influence the voting process.

“Matagal ko na pong sina-suggest na suyurin natin ang dapat suyurin, pasukin natin ang dapat pasukin, enganyuhin natin ang mga kababayan natin na magpabakuna,” said Go.

Go continued, ‘yung suggestion po na pumunta po ‘yung DOH (Department of Health) doon, why not kung kaya naman nilang pagsabayin ‘yung pagboboto at may panahon silang bomoto dahil karapatan nilang bumoto, ‘yung mga vaccinators natin, after voting kung magkaroon ng lugar doon… at hindi nakakadistorbo naman po sa eleksyon bakit hindi.”

“Kung makakatulong naman ito sa karagdagang numero ng magpapabakuna. Kaya nga suyurin natin, enganyuhin natin ang ating mga kababayan. Ang importante, hindi po ito makakadistorbo sa ating pagka-conduct ng eleksyon no’ng araw na ‘yon, ng araw na ‘yon sa May 9,” he concluded.