Christopher Lawrence 'Bong' Tesoro Go
Christopher Lawrence 'Bong' Tesoro Go was born on June 14, 1974, in Davao City to businessman Desiderio Go and Marichu Tesoro-Go. He is a grandson of August Tesoro, who founded one of the largest printing companies in Davao City. Go attended La Salle Green Hills for his secondary education and initially pursued a management degree at De La Salle University before transferring to Ateneo de Davao University, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing. He has been serving as a Senator since 2019 after ranking third in the 2019 senatorial elections. Prior to his senatorial role, Go served as Special Assistant to President Rodrigo Duterte from 2016 to 2018 and has been Duterte's close aide since 1998, when Duterte was still the mayor of Davao City. Throughout his political career, Go has been known for his close association with former President Duterte and has been instrumental in implementing various social service programs. On October 3, 2024, Go filed his candidacy for the 2025 Philippine Senate elections under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP-Laban) party.
Education
- La Salle Green Hills (Secondary Education)
- Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Ateneo de Davao University
Career Highlights
- Senator of the Philippines (2019-Present)
- Special Assistant to the President and Head of the Presidential Management Staff (2016-2018)
- Executive Assistant to Rodrigo Duterte when he was Mayor of Davao City (1998-2016)
- Author of Republic Act No. 11463 or the 'Malasakit Centers Act'
- Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography
- Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports
Key Platforms
Malasakit Centers Program Expansion
Aims to further expand the network of Malasakit Centers across the Philippines. These centers serve as one-stop shops for medical assistance, bringing together representatives from various government agencies to streamline the process of seeking medical financial assistance for indigent patients. The program has reportedly benefitted over 15 million Filipinos according to DOH data.
Healthcare System Improvement
Advocates for improved healthcare access and services through the establishment of more Super Health Centers nationwide and the implementation of the Regional Specialty Centers Act which he principally sponsored and authored. Also pushes for reforms in PhilHealth to expand benefits, reduce premium contributions, increase case rates, provide free medicines, and improve policies.
Food Security and Agriculture Development
Pushes for increased support for farmers and fisherfolk through financial aid, technical assistance, and market access to enhance food security. Advocates for sustained distribution of agricultural inputs, including drought-resistant seeds, fertilizers, and machinery. Proposes a national Farmers' and Fishers' Pension Fund, improved credit facilities with low-interest loans, and expanded crop insurance coverage.
Employment and Labor Protection
Proposes the institutionalization of a Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) to provide temporary employment to economically disadvantaged, displaced, or seasonal workers in rural areas. Advocates for wage increases and the enactment of Salary Standardization Law 6 for government employees. Seeks improved protection for freelancers and delivery service workers through specific legislation.
Education Access and Enhancement
Aims to expand the coverage of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) to reach more students. Advocates for the creation of Mental Health Offices in state universities and colleges as well as in basic and secondary education institutions. Pushes for the introduction of Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship subjects in schools.
Positions on Key Issues
| Issue | Position |
|---|---|
| Economy | Advocates for inclusive economic growth with emphasis on implementing existing economic reform laws passed during the Duterte administration, such as the amended Public Service Act, Foreign Investments Act, and Retail Trade Liberalization Act. Supports micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as engines of job creation and promotes equitable distribution of resources across regions. |
| Education | Supports expanding the coverage of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) to reach more students and the creation of Mental Health Offices in educational institutions. Advocates for the introduction of Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship subjects in schools and the review of the Continuing Professional Development Law. Ranked as an influential figure in raising public awareness regarding education. |
| Healthcare | Flagship advocacy centers on healthcare access through the Malasakit Centers program, which has benefited over 15 million Filipinos according to DOH data. Pushes for the establishment of more Super Health Centers nationwide and implementation of the Regional Specialty Centers Act. Advocates for PhilHealth reforms including expanded benefits, reduced premiums, increased case rates, and free medicines. |
| Environment | Advocates for sustainable development practices and environmental protection measures. Has expressed support for climate change awareness and disaster resilience initiatives, including pushing for his Disaster Resilience bill as a response to experts' warnings about climate change. Supported wider regional cooperation to address climate change issues. |
| Labor | Proposes the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) to provide temporary employment in rural areas. Advocates for wage increases and Salary Standardization Law 6 for government employees. Supports the Freelance Workers Protection bill and Food, Grocery, and Pharmacy Delivery Services Protection Act to safeguard workers in the gig economy. |
| Agriculture | Champions comprehensive support for farmers and fisherfolk through sustained distribution of agricultural inputs, scholarships for their children, a national Farmers' and Fishers' Pension Fund, low-interest credit facilities, and expanded crop insurance coverage. Prioritizes food security and agricultural modernization to improve rural livelihoods. |
| Governance | Advocates for transparency and accountability in government service, promoting efficient delivery of public services and streamlined processes. Emphasizes that 'service to the people is service to God' and pledges diligent work for Filipinos in his reelection bid. Supports the proper implementation of the Ease of Doing Business Act. |
| Foreign Policy | Supports protecting Philippine sovereignty while maintaining beneficial international relationships, particularly regarding the West Philippine Sea dispute. Has expressed support for upholding the rights of Filipinos amid territorial disputes, though generally aligns with administration positions on foreign policy matters. |
| Charter Change | Adopts a cautious approach to constitutional amendments, particularly regarding Charter Change (Cha-Cha). Has stated that any changes should benefit ordinary Filipinos, especially the poor, rather than politicians. Opposes hidden agendas and discussions of term limits in constitutional reform discussions. Emphasizes the need for thorough deliberation given the fundamental nature of the Constitution. |
| Lgbtq Rights | Has expressed support for equal treatment under the law regardless of gender orientation. Stated: 'We are all equal under the law and it is our duty in this institution to ensure that all Filipinos, regardless of their age, sex, religion, ethnicity or gender orientation are treated equally and justly.' However, has not been a leading advocate for SOGIE-specific legislation. |
| Drug War | Strongly supports the administration's anti-drug campaign. Has stated, 'The war on illegal drugs is being done by President Duterte not just for us now but for our children.' Introduced legislation for establishing drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation centers in every province to help reform drug victims, whom he considers victims in need of medical, psychological, and spiritual help. |
| Icc | Opposes International Criminal Court (ICC) intervention in the Philippines' drug war, viewing it as a threat to national sovereignty. Backs the administration position that the Philippines' withdrawal from the ICC means the court has no jurisdiction. Supports the view that the country's legal system can address human rights concerns domestically without external intervention. |
Sources & Citations
- INQUIRER.net - 'Sen. Bong Go to focus on health, jobs, others as he seeks reelection', October 3, 2024
- Senate of the Philippines - 'Senator Bong Go secures top rank in OCTA Research's March 2025 senatorial survey', April 11, 2025
- Senate of the Philippines - 'Bong Go stresses: Implement existing economic reform laws well, with or without Charter Change', March 6, 2024
- Senate of the Philippines - 'In spite of calls by outgoing ICC prosecutor to probe PRRD, Bong Go says the war against drugs will remain relentless', June 16, 2021
- Senate of the Philippines - 'Bong Go backs PBBM's assertion of ICC as a threat to national sovereignty', January 24, 2024
- GMA News Online - 'Gretchen Diez meets Imee, Bong Go: Can the fist gesture help realize a SOGIE law?', August 2019
- GMA News Online - 'Zero funds for Malasakit Centers? Bong Go says it's fake news'
- Senate of the Philippines - 'Bong go highlights malasakit centers' efforts to provide medical assistance and compassionate service', September 11, 2024
- VERA Files - 'Bong Go's priorities for Senate in 2025'
- Wikipedia - 'Bong Go'
- Tribune.net.ph - 'Bong Go stresses Filipinos' rights amid disputes in WPS', November 2023
- Tribune.net.ph - 'Senator Bong Go Campaigns in Cavite, Promotes Health, Education, and Youth Initiatives', April 1, 2025
This profile is regularly updated with verified information from reliable sources. Last updated: April 24, 2025
