Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has expressed his support for the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s proposed budget for 2024 while reminding its officials to sustain efforts to instill public order and good governance especially at the local level.
“The DILG is indispensable for the stability and progress of our nation. I am fully supportive of their proposed budget and programs for 2024,” said Go, whose support for DILG’s budget was officially put on record by Senator Sonny Angara who presided over a Senate Finance Subcommittee hearing last Wednesday.
To recall, DILG has a proposed budget of P260 billion for fiscal year 2024. This budget is designed to support the UNITE Agenda, a comprehensive blueprint aimed at enhancing local governance and ensuring peace and order across the country.
The agenda covers various aspects, including law enforcement, local administration, and community development.
The budget includes various allocations including P28 billion for the Bureau of Fire Protection and P935 million for the Philippine Public Safety College.
Previously, Go principally authored and co-sponsored Republic Act 11589, also known as the BFP Modernization Act which mandates the BFP to undergo a ten-year modernization program that will improve the capabilities of the agency by implementing a 10-year modernization program, which includes recruiting more firefighters, acquiring new fire equipment, and developing specialized training, among others.
Meanwhile, Go has once again emphasized the importance of building on the gains made during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s fight against illegal drugs and criminality, pointing out how substance abuse has destroyed many Filipinos’ lives.
He expressed confidence that the current administration, under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., will be able to continue and enhance further the campaign against illegal drugs.
Go then reiterated his call for a multi-faceted approach against the drug menace in the country. In line with this, he has filed several measures aimed at effectively combating the ills of society. Among these is Senate Bill 428 which shall establish a Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in every province across the country.
Apart from the said measure, Go likewise introduced SBN 419, establishing a Magna Carta of Benefits for the officers and personnel of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
GM