in Politics, Social Media

Netizens question Sen. Bong Go’s attendance in Cabinet meetings

Senator Bong Go pushed the Balik Probinsya program in hopes of decongesting Metro Manila amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

0 Votes

  • Netizens asked the reason behind Senator Go’s presence at a cabinet meeting which was supposed to be attended by members of the Executive branch.
  • Go has been President Rodrigo Duterte’s personal aide since 1998 before he became the Special Assistant to the President then later, a senator. 

Senator Bong Go, President Rodrigo Duterte’s former special assistant, is now pushing for the Balik Probinya program as the Metro Manila remains under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Department of Trade and Industry supported the idea by saying that it would provide incentives for businesses that will open in provinces in support of the movement in hopes of easing congestion in Manila.

DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez added that people in Metro Manila may be encouraged to come home to their families in the province if there are job opportunities.

“We will give more incentives papunta sa probinsya, kaysa sa maglo-locate sa Metro Manila. Ibig sabihin nun, attraction to looking outside. Pag nandon na yung incentives, may trabaho na don.”

However, netizens were confused about one thing: the attendance of Senator Bong Go in cabinet meetings.

“Why is Bong Go in cabinet meetings? He’s a senator, no?”

A Twitter user even called him the “Cabinet Senator”.

The cabinet meetings are supposed to be attended by only high-ranking state officials. This is typically made up of top leaders of the executive branch.

Go is a senator which means that he is a part of the Legislative sector of the government, not the Executive sector.

This is the reason why people are questioning his presence in the said meetings. Saying that he wasn’t needed there due to the separation of powers.

https://twitter.com/mchlmthwzrd/status/1253550361404571649

https://twitter.com/jayzbreaker/status/1253520786733666306

https://twitter.com/pproductions63/status/1253488118302298112

Others also asked as to why other government officials aren’t questioning the subject matter.

A netizen also applauded him for allegedly three positions in the administration: a senator, spokesperson, and cabinet member.

https://twitter.com/JAaaAaammyy/status/1253489147206971393

Senator Bong Go served as the executive assistant and personal aide for then-Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. He has called himself as Duterte’s all around “utility man”.

In 2016, President Duterte announced the appointment of Go as the Special Assistant to the President and tasked him to provide general supervision to the Presidential Management Staff.

He made a formal bid for the Senate in 2018 when he filed his certificate of candidacy accompanied by the President himself.

Go garnered around 21 million votes and was put into office after placing third overall. He started his senatorial term in June 2019.

Balik ProbinyaBong GoCOVID-19Davao CityMetro ManilaNetizens question Sen. Bong Go's attendance in Cabinet meetingsPresidential Management StaffRamon Lopezrodrigo duterteSpecial Assistant to the PresidentThe Department of Trade and Industry

Written by J M

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte says he would have his driver slap Antonio Trillanes IV

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque defends China from COVID-19 obligations