Photo credit: Bong Go

Senator Bong Go is on a roll.

The latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, commissioned by Stratbase and conducted from March 15 to 20, 2025, shows Go tied for the top spot among preferred senatorial candidates for the 2025 elections. With a solid 42% voter preference, he has steadily climbed the rankings, reinforcing his strong connection with the public.

And he’s not taking that support for granted.

“Muli po akong nagpapasalamat nang taos-puso sa ating mga kababayan sa patuloy na tiwala sa aking kakayahang paglingkuran ang bayan,” Go said, expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him.

Go’s rise in the polls has been consistent—second place in February with 38%, third to fourth in January with 37%, and 32% in December 2024. Now, he’s right at the top, and he vows to keep pushing forward with his signature brand of public service: “sipag, malasakit, at more serbisyo.”

Pro-Poor Policies and More Accessible Healthcare

Staying true to his mission, Go emphasized his focus on helping ordinary Filipinos, especially those struggling with medical expenses.

“Asahan po ninyo na mangunguna din sa aking puso’t isipan ang pagbibigay ng serbisyong tunay na may malasakit. Patuloy kong isusulong ang mga pro-poor na batas at programa para ilapit ang serbisyong medikal sa ating mga kababayan lalung lalo na sa mga mahihirap na pasyente,” he assured.

One of his flagship initiatives is the Malasakit Centers, which he first launched in 2018. These one-stop shops simplify access to government medical assistance, cutting through red tape for indigent patients. Now institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, there are 167 Malasakit Centers nationwide, and they’ve helped more than 17 million Filipinos with hospital expenses.

Go is also pushing for more Regional Specialty Centers through Republic Act 11959, bringing advanced medical services closer to the provinces. On top of that, he’s backing the expansion of Super Health Centers for primary care, early disease detection, and free consultations—ensuring healthcare reaches more Filipinos in remote areas.

A Nod to Duterte Amid ICC Controversy

The senator also took a moment to reflect on former President Rodrigo Duterte’s detention in the International Criminal Court (ICC). He recalled a piece of advice from his longtime mentor:

“Just do what is right. Unahin ang interes ng bayan. Unahin ang kapakanan ng mga Pilipino lalo na ang mahihirap, at hinding hindi ka magkakamali.”

This guiding principle, Go said, continues to shape his work in public service.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves

Go’s strong showing in the latest SWS survey isn’t an isolated event.
• In Pulse Asia’s February 20 to 26 poll, he ranked first with a 58.1% voter preference.
• In OCTA Research’s Tugon ng Masa survey (Feb 22 to 28), he placed second with 62%.

With his pro-poor advocacy, healthcare initiatives, and unwavering loyalty to his political roots, it looks like Bong Go is well on his way to securing a Senate seat in 2025. And if his track record is anything to go by, he’s only just getting started.