Visiting Bong Go highlights Senate achievements

By Jason B. Neola

SENATOR Bong Go took a break from his busy schedule at the Philippine Senate to visit Naga City during the celebration of the Peñafrancia Fiesta. During his visit, the senator interacted with local officials, ordinary citizens, and members of the media, who were able to interview him about his current initiatives.

The senator highlighted his efforts to collaborate with PhilHealth on improving healthcare coverage. He emphasized his push to abolish the Single Period of Confinement (SPC) rules, which currently restrict benefits for repeat admissions within a 90-day period for the same illness.

He explained that the SPC rule unfairly limits patients’ access to PhilHealth coverage and called for more flexible policies that would benefit the public.

Additionally, Senator Go urged PhilHealth to increase its case rates from 30% to 80%. Under the current system, 30% of the fixed amount for medical cases is allocated for Doctors’ Professional Fees, while 70% covers hospital costs. Go believes increasing the coverage would significantly ease the financial burden on Filipinos seeking medical care.

He also advocated for the expansion of PhilHealth’s benefit packages to include dental services, dialysis treatments, and other essential healthcare services. He pressed PhilHealth to expedite the implementation of these benefits, noting that many Filipinos are suffering due to a lack of accessible and affordable healthcare.

Furthermore, the senator is pushing for a reduction in PhilHealth’s premium contributions, aiming to lower the financial burden on members. He assured the public that he would closely monitor the health agency’s budget during the upcoming Senate appropriations hearings to ensure these reforms are effectively carried out.

Aside from healthcare, Senator Go also provided updates on other legislative initiatives. He shared that his Ligtas Pinoy Centers Bill, which mandates the establishment of clean, safe, and spacious evacuation centers in every municipality and city, has already passed the second reading in the Senate. The senator stressed the importance of these centers, given the Philippines’ vulnerability to natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.

Another key legislative accomplishment mentioned by Go was the passage of the Philippine National Games Bill, which seeks to establish a biennial “mini-Olympics” to encourage grassroots sports development. According to Go, the bill aims to foster the next generation of top Filipino athletes.

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Go also took pride in spearheading the establishment of Malasakit Centers across the country. He reported that there are now 166 Malasakit Centers nationwide, providing medical and financial assistance to indigent patients.

Senator Go’s visit to Naga City showcased his ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare services and promote disaster preparedness and sports development, all of which he believes will lead to a more resilient and healthy Filipino society.