SENATOR Christopher "Bong" Go confirmed that he had a near-death experience after the helicopter he was aboard almost had an accident on Saturday, August 14.

Go revealed this in an interview on “Bisaya Time” aired on dzRH Manila on Sunday, August 15.

The former presidential aide said the chopper was on its way to Basilan from Zamboanga City to attend the launch of two Malasakit Centers.

Go said they noticed the chopper descending rapidly and bouncing twice in the air, with the motor making a strange sound.

The pilot told him a tailwind was pushing the chopper down. He was able to regain control and landed the chopper safely. Go was able to attend the opening of the Malasakit Center without further incident.

"Sa awa ng Diyos at sa awa ni Allah, sa Basilan ako pumunta kahapon, ay ligtas naman po. Galing ako ng Zamboanga papunta ako sa pagbubukas pang-135th Malasakit Center doon sa Basilan Medical Center," Go said. The senator admitted it was the first time to encounter such an incident.

(By the grace of God and Allah, I was going to Basilan yesterday [August 14] — I was safe. I came from Zamboanga to open the 135th Malasakit Center at Basilan Medical Center.)

The Malasakit Center is a One-Stop-Shop where indigent patients can efficiently access financial medical assistance from agencies such as PhilHealth, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed into law on December 3, 2019, the Malasakit Center Act, also known as Republic Act No. 11463. Under the law, the government is obliged to establish Malasakit Centers in all hospitals under the Department of Health and the Philippine General Hospital. The legislation also authorizes the Philippine National Police to set up such facilities.