MANILA — Senator Christopher “Bong” Go demonstrated his support for athletes heading to the Paris Olympics by distributing PHP500,000 each to the qualified athletes in a simple ceremony at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Conference Hall inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

The recipients of the cash incentives included boxer Nesthy Petecio, gymnast Carlos Yulo, rower Joanie Delgaco, and weightlifters Vanessa Sarno, John Febuar Ceniza, and Elreen Ando.

Also qualifying for Paris are pole vaulter EJ Obiena; gymnasts Aleah Finnegan, Levi Ruivivar, and Emma Malabuyo; boxers Aira Villegas, Hergie Bacyadan, Eumir Marcial, and Carlo Paalam; and fencer Sam Catantan.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo expressed her gratitude to Senator Bong Go for his commitment to enriching their sector as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth and Sports. She commended his dedication to improving policies and programs for all athletes.

In his speech during the ceremony, Senator Go emphasized that he was pleased to provide assistance. He encouraged the athletes to give their best efforts in order to bring honor to their country because honor is more important than money.

The PSC has allocated PHP52 million for various expenses related to preparation, training, participation logistics such as airfare and luggage costs as well as parade uniforms.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is scheduled to send off members of the Philippine delegation at Ayuntamiento de Manila’s Marble Hall in Intramuros on Friday afternoon.

Selected athletes will depart on June 22 for Metz, France where they will stay at a training facility for final preparations before participating in the Olympics scheduled from July 26th until August 11th.

(el Amigo/mnm)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized the importance of showing respect to former President Rodrigo Duterte, as the Senate and the House of Representatives grapple with resolutions related to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

These resolutions, filed by House members, urge President Ferdinand Marcos “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to reconsider the Philippines’ participation in the ICC.

Go underscored that Duterte should be judged by fellow Filipinos, not by a foreign court.

“Ibigay natin sa kanya ang nararapat sa ating dating pangulo dahil naglingkod siya nang buong puso sa ating bayan. Ang aking pananaw ay ang mga Pilipino dapat ang humusga sa kanya, hindi ang mga dayuhan. Dapat ang humatol sa kanya ay ang sarili niyang kababayan,” the senator expressed.

While Go mentioned having conversations with Duterte’s legal team, he has yet to discuss the ICC resolutions directly with the former president.

In a related development, Go expressed his support for Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, citing their shared camaraderie in the Senate.

Dela Rosa served as the Philippine National Police chief during the implementation of the war on drugs.

“Sinusuportahan po namin si Senator Bato bilang ka-partido at kasamahan sa Senado. Naniniwala po ako na ginampanan lang po ni Senator Bato dela Rosa ang kanyang tungkulin bilang chief PNP noong panahon ni Pangulong Duterte,” Go stated.

(ai/mnm)