SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, expressed concern over the recent departure of three undersecretaries from the Department of Health (DOH), emphasizing their critical role in implementing healthcare reforms and guiding the country during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It has come to my attention that three undersecretaries are no longer affiliated with the DOH,” Go said in a statement released on August 2, 2025. “Nanghihinayang ako na wala na sa DOH silang maituturing nating asset ng gobyerno dahil sa kanilang karanasan at angking galing (I regret that they are no longer with the DOH, as they could be considered assets of the government because of their experience and exceptional skills).”
While the senator did not name the officials, reports suggest that among those who recently stepped down or were reassigned are long-serving doctors who played pivotal roles in the rollout of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, as well as the country’s pandemic response. These officials were seen as instrumental in bridging national health policy with on-the-ground implementation, particularly during times of public health emergencies.
Go emphasized the importance of having competent and committed leaders in the DOH, especially as the agency continues to strengthen public health services and expand access to healthcare across the country.
“Bilang chairperson ng Senate Committee on Health, hangad kong magkaroon tayo ng mga opisyal sa DOH na merong karanasan, kwalipikasyon at dedikasyon,” he said. “Lalo na ngayon na patuloy nating pinapalakas ang ating healthcare system at lalong inilalapit ang mga serbisyong pangkalusugan sa mga Pilipino, lalo na ang mga mahihirap at walang ibang malalapitan kundi ang gobyerno.”
The senator has been a consistent advocate of the Malasakit Center program, a flagship initiative he authored and championed into law (Republic Act No. 11463), which streamlines medical and financial assistance from various government agencies into one-stop shops located in public hospitals.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Senator Go warned the public against fraudulent Facebook pages and accounts falsely using his name and that of the Malasakit Center to solicit personal information or One-Time PINs (OTP) from unsuspecting victims.
The senator’s office has responded to a recent complaint from a family in Calumpit, Bulacan, who were victimized by scammers pretending to be affiliated with his office. The incident occurred while the family was grieving over a deceased relative, highlighting the scammers’ callous exploitation.
He urged the public to exercise caution online and to never share sensitive information, especially OTPs linked to mobile banking or cash apps.
Senator Go’s office reiterated that they do not solicit personal information online and encouraged individuals to report any suspicious activity involving his name or Malasakit Centers to proper authorities. DEF