MANILA, Philippines – Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has called on his fellow lawmakers to support a package of local hospital bills seeking to build, expand, and upgrade healthcare facilities, particularly in underserved and remote communities across the country.

During his sponsorship speech on June 2, as the Senate resumed regular session, Go underscored the worsening conditions of public hospitals, especially in rural areas where medical infrastructure is lacking and resources are severely stretched.

Citing his visits to numerous health facilities nationwide, the senator recounted troubling situations he witnessed firsthand:

“Sa pag-iikot ko sa ating bansa, marami pong ospital na isang kama, dalawang pasyente… papaano gagaling ang pasyente kung ganon po ang kanilang kinatatayuan, at nagsisiksikan pa. Minsan po umaabot pa sa 400% ang bed occupancy rate po,”
(“As I go around the country, I see hospitals where two patients are sharing one bed… how can patients recover under such conditions, especially when they’re overcrowded? Sometimes, bed occupancy rates even reach 400%.”)

Go, a staunch supporter of healthcare reforms, highlighted the crucial link between national development and quality health services.

“Kalusugan ang isa sa pinakamahalagang pangangailangan ng bawat Pilipino. Kung maayos ang kalusugan, mas malakas ang ating bansa. Lagi ko pong sinasabi, now is the time to invest in health. Lalo na po sa mga probinsya na talagang kulang na kulang ang mga health facilities,”
(“Health is one of the most essential needs of every Filipino. If our people are healthy, our nation becomes stronger. I always say, now is the time to invest in health—especially in provinces where health facilities are extremely lacking.”)

As the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go has consistently championed legislative measures aimed at addressing hospital overcrowding and bridging healthcare disparities across regions.