TARLAC CITY, Tarlac: Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go on Monday congratulated newly-elected barangay officials in Tarlac and urged them to be fully committed to good governance.
He also called on the local officials to stamp out drugs and corruption in their respective communities during their term of office.
good governance. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
“Now you are all part of government, the Duterte administration is requesting that you to strengthen your dedication to good governance and fight against corruption in your jurisdiction,” Go said in his speech after the mass oath-taking ceremony of local executives from the 511 barangays of Tarlac.
The ceremony, which coincided with the 145th founding anniversary of Tarlac province, was held at the Tarlac Christian College gymnasium in Barangay Culipat, Tarlac City. It was attended by top provincial officials led by Governor Susan Yap and Tarlac 2nd District Rep. Victor Yap.
The mass oath-taking of around 4,000 newly-elected barangay officials was also the first in the country that was attended by a high-ranking Malacañang official.
Meanwhile, Go told the newly-elected barangay officials not to lose the trust of the people who voted them into office and show them that they really deserve the trust bestowed on them by the community.
“You should appreciate the trust and love that are given to you by your villagers. It’s now time for you to show that you deserve their trust),” he said.
The Palace official also reminded them of the important role they play as the forefront of the government in nation-building.
“As government officials, you have an important role to play in the progress and orderliness of our constituency. If we all strive for the good of our communities and not only of ourselves, the Philippines would be more progressive),” Go said.
Go urged the newly-elected barangay officials to support President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs, corruption and criminality.
“We are determined to uplift our quality of life and to correct the way the government is being run with the help of the three-point program of the Duterte Administration,” he added.
“The aim of the three-point program is to fight the problem of illegal drugs, corruption and criminality. President Duterte knows that if the three main problems are resolved, it would have a positive effect on our society,” he said.
“The assistance of local officials goes a long way. You know who are into drugs in your village. That’s why we should support the program of the President against drugs because nothing comes good out of it and would destroy families),” Go said.
Go also cited President Duterte’s all-out campaign against corruption, where even his closest friends and supporters were not spared.
“In cases of corruption, the President is doing all he can. Even his friends, relatives, or anybody who supported and campaigned for him, when they are involved in corruption, are dismissed from government,” he added.
“For him,the interest of the country should come first rather than the interest of his friends. That’s how the president acts, I know him,” Duterte’s long-time aide said.
Go also told the newly-elected local officials that uplifting the lives of the Filipino people is a paramount concern of the President, and called on them to continuously support the programs of the national government.
“The President has no other dream but for the good of every Filipino. The President loves you. I love you,” Go said.
After his speech, Go, a skilled basketball player, engaged in a friendly three-point shootout and a scrimmage with members of the Tarlac police force. Present during the shootout were basketball greats Kenneth Duremdes and Dondon Hontiveros.
Still in his basketball uniform, Go then proceeded to the Diwa ng Tarlac where he briefly met with all of the province’s mayors, vice mayors and councilors before rushing back to Malacañang to attend to some urgent matters. (CMR/PNA)