Bong Go: Solidarity will help beat virus
SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Saturday called for solidarity among various organizations in the Philippines as the country stepped up its fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
Go made the call during his virtual attendance at the Induction and Turnover Ceremonies of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (Picpa), saying that in these times of uncertainty, everyone can contribute to making things better for the country.
“While we differ in profession — you’re accountants, and we’re legislators — we are all public servants capable of helping the country overcome this crisis,” he said in Filipino.
In his speech during the event hosted on Zoom, the senator stressed that the nation needed the solidarity of organizations such as Picpa now more than ever, emphasizing the need for a whole-of-nation approach in the fight against the pandemic.
“Now that we’re facing a crisis, it is important for the various sectors of society to unite in order to save our country, as we prepare for the ‘new normal’ and provide our fellow Filipinos hope for a better future,” he added.
During his speech, Go also took the opportunity to assure public accountants and other professionals that he would continue to push for their welfare and protection, especially in these trying times.
He said his office was always open for proposals and suggestions that could improve the lives of fellow Filipinos.
Go added that he was studying possible amendments to the current Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Law. He encouraged Picpa and other organizations to provide suggestions regarding this matter and work together in uplifting the lives of professionals, as well as unburden their hardships especially in this time of crisis.
“I am always willing to listen to you and make sure that your concerns will be heard and addressed,” he said.
Go added that the current CPD Law may have unduly burdened professionals in the country, including public accountants, as it requires credit units to be taken as a prerequisite in the renewal of their professional license.
“Remember, you spent years in your studies, you passed the board exams, you work, then you still need to spend again in order to continue in your profession,” Go said.
“We want to ease the burden on our professionals especially in times of crisis. It is our intention to uplift the level of your… professional service, minus the added cost and burden caused by the implementation of the CPD Law,” he added.