Election Profile: Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., #11

Personal Information

• Age and Date of Birth: 58 (Sept. 25, 1966)
• Party: LAKAS Christian-Muslim Democrats (CMD)
• Highest Educational Attainment:
  • Doctorate degrees (Honoris Causa) in Public Administration by Cavite State University
  • Humanities degree from Nueva Vizcaya University
• Highest Government Position Held: Senator

Summary:

• Lower prices of goods
• Push for programs for farmers and fishermen
• Provide solutions to flood problems
• Lower the optional retirement age for government workers, among others

Stance on Key Issues

On Poverty, Controlling Inflation, and Jobs

• Advocates for decent wages and has filed several across-the-board wage hike proposals.
• Co-authored the P100 Daily Minimum Wage Increase Act of 2023, approved by the Senate in 2024 but not yet enacted into law.
• Co-author of the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act (2023), which aims to:
  • Generate employment
  • Enhance workforce skills through upskilling and reskilling programs
• Filed Senate Bill No. 1960, seeking to establish the Poverty Reduction Through Social Entrepreneurship (PRESENT) program.

On Fighting Graft and Corruption

• Voted in favor of Senate Bill No. 2232 (2021), legalizing and taxing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs).
• In 2024, changed stance and stated that the “country will be better off without them” based on legislative inquiries into POGOs.

Stance on Other Key Issues

On the West Philippine Sea

• Principal author and co-sponsor of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (2024) aligning with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• Co-author of RA 12065, establishing the country's archipelagic sea lanes, regulating foreign ships and aircraft passing through Philippine waters.
• Signed 2021 resolution condemning China’s illegal activities within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
• Called the 2023 water cannon incident a “blatant disregard” of Philippine autonomy and sovereignty.

On the Drug War

• 2023: Supported Duterte’s War on Drugs, stating it was “backed by the Filipino people” who “felt the results.”
• Defended Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa and ex-President Rodrigo Duterte against potential International Criminal Court (ICC) warrants of arrest, calling the ICC “bullies driven by their own selfish interests” and accusing them of a “baseless persecution.”

On Disaster Preparedness

• Advocates for climate adaptation and resilience programs.
• Filed bills to improve disaster preparedness, including:
  • Calamities' Hazard Mitigation Program Act
  • Language Accessibility of Public Information on Disasters Act
  • Gender Responsive and Inclusive Management Act of 2023
• Filed Senate Bill No. 686 (2022) to assign a permanent disaster risk officer in every LGU.
• Chaired hearings on flooding issues after Super Typhoon Carina (2024) and emphasized the lack of an integrated master plan for flood management.

Government Experience / Field of Expertise

• Senator (2004-2016, 2019-2025)
  • Authored notable laws such as:
    • Mandatory Helmet Act
    • Open High School System Act
    • Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act
    • No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act
    • Expanded Centenarian Act
    • Philippine New Passport Act
• Chairman, Videogram Regulatory Board (2002-2004), now Optical Media Board.
• Governor of Cavite (1998-2001); Appointed in 1997
• Vice Governor of Cavite (1995-1998)

Issues and Controversies

• 2013 Pork Barrel Scam:
  • Implicated in the ₱10-billion Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam with Janet Lim Napoles.
  • Allegedly diverted funds to fake NGOs linked to Napoles in exchange for ₱224.5 million in kickbacks.
  • 2014: Arrested after plunder and graft charges filed by the Ombudsman.
  • 2017-2018: Plunder trial lasted over 4 years.
  • 2018: Acquitted of plunder but ordered to return ₱124.5 million to the National Treasury.
  • 2021: Cleared of 16 graft charges due to insufficient evidence.

Family Members in Government

Immediate Family

Lani Mercado-Revilla (Wife)

• Representative, Cavite 2nd District (2010-2016; 2022-2025)
• Mayor, Bacoor City (2016-2022)
• Seeking reelection

Ramon "Jolo" Revilla III (Son)

• Representative, Cavite 1st District (2022-2025)
• Vice Governor, Cavite (2013-2022)
• Chairperson, Barangay Panapaan, Bacoor (2010-2013)

Ram Revilla Bautista (Son)

• Board Member, Cavite 2nd District (2022-2025)
• Running for Cavite Vice Governor

Bryan Revilla (Son)

• Representative, AGIMAT Party List (2022-2025)

Extended Family Members in Government

Ramon B. Revilla Sr. (Father)

• Senator (1992-2004)

Rowena Bautista-Mendiola (Sister)

• Vice Mayor, Bacoor City (2022-2025)
• Councilor, Bacoor (2013-2022)
• Councilor, Imus (1998-1992)

Marion Bautista (Brother)

• Third Nominee, 1PACMAN Party-list (2019-2025)

Strike Revilla (Brother)

• Mayor, Bacoor City (2007-2016; 2022-2025)
• Representative, Cavite 2nd District (2016-2022)
• Provincial Board Member, Cavite 1st District (1998-2004)

Gregorio Miguel "Igi" Revilla Ocampo Jr. (Nephew)

• Councilor, Imus City (2022-2025)

Robert Vincent Jude "Dudut" Jaworski Jr. (Nephew)

• Vice Mayor, Pasig City (2022-2025)
• Representative, Pasig City Lone District (2004-2007)
• Councilor, San Juan City (1995-1998)

Casimiro "Jun" Ynares III (Brother-in-law)

• Mayor, Antipolo City (2022-2025)
• Governor, Rizal (2007-2013)

Robert Jaworski (Brother-in-law)

• Senator (1998-2004)

ELECTION PROFILE

Personal Information

• Age and date of birth: 60 (Jan. 2, 1960)
• Party: Partido Federal ng Pilipinas
• Highest Educational Attainment:
  • Master of Laws, University of Michigan Law School
  • University of London (England) and Columbia Law School
  • Master on National Security Administration, National Defense College of the Philippines
• Highest Government Position Held: Senator

Summary

Stance on Key Issues

On Poverty, Controlling Inflation and Jobs

• Favors a “legislative wage hike”
• Believes access to resources such as clean water, internet, and electricity play a vital role “in shaping a resilient and progressive society” and aims “to champion initiatives” that will allow Filipinos equitable access to utilities that provide these

On Fighting Graft and Corruption

• Supports the signing of the New Government Procurement Act for faster and more efficient government services and “less opportunities for graft and corruption”
• Supports the ban on offshore gaming operations and a transition plan to assist Filipinos affected by the policy

On West Philippine Sea

• Vocal about defending the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea and protesting against China imposing a fishing ban in the contested waters

On The Drug War

• Proposes that mechanisms be put in place to protect human rights and prevent abuse and extra-judicial killings

On Disaster Preparedness

• Supports modernizing the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to improve the country’s disaster response
• Advocates for effective communication during disasters and urges Phivolcs and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Administration to simplify weather and disaster advisories

Government Experience / Field of Expertise

Senator (2019 - 2025)

• Principal author and sponsor of two landmark laws (the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act) which together define the country’s entitlements in the South China Sea.
• Co-authored other notable laws such as the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act and the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.
• As chair of the Committee on Local Government, co-authored Senate Bill No. 2214, extending the transition period for the Bangsamoro Region and deferring its parliamentary elections to 2025.

Other Government Positions

• Presidential adviser for political affairs of the Duterte administration after losing his first senatorial bid in 2016.
• Chairman, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (2010-2015)
  • Launched the first Metro Manila Integrated Bus Terminal known as the Southwest Integrated Provincial Transport Terminal.
  • Had the Metro Manila Outdoor Media Magna Carta signed under his watch providing new guidelines on handling of billboards and other advertising signs along major and secondary roads and open spaces.
• Mayor, Tagaytay City (1995 - 2004)
  • Established the Tagaytay Public Safety Office.

Issues and Controversies

• Filed a libel complaint in 2017 against broadcaster Ted Failon for hinting at possible misuse of MMDA funds in an episode of the television program Failon Ngayon. The complaint was dismissed by the Court of Appeals in 2020.
• Filed an election protest for alleged “massive fraud and irregularities” against the proclamation of Leila De Lima as the 12th winning senatorial candidate in the 2016 polls, which he later withdrew and the Senate Electoral Tribunal dismissed; results of the vote count showed De Lima won over Tolentino, who placed 13th.

Additional Controversies

• 2015 scandal for supposedly hiring female dancers who did a “lewd” dance number at a gathering of the Liberal Party; he later apologized for “failing to stop” the performance.

Family Members in Government

Michael Francis “Micko” Tolentino

• Relationship: Son
• Position/s held:
  • Councilor, Tagaytay City (2019-present)

Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino

• Relationship: Brother
• Position/s held:
  • Mayor, Tagaytay City (2004-2010; 2022-present)
  • Representative, Cavite 8th District (2019-2022)
  • Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives (2019-2022)
  • Representative, Cavite 7th District (2013-2019)

Isaac Tolentino

• Relationship: Father
• Position/s held:
  • Mayor, Tagaytay City (1954 - 1980)

Aniela Tolentino

• Relationship: Niece
• Position/s held:
  • Representative, Cavite 8th District (2022-present)

Athena Tolentino

• Relationship: Niece
• Position/s held:
  • Vice Governor, Cavite (2022-present)
  • Councilor, Tagaytay City (2019-2022)

Agnes Tolentino

• Relationship: Sister-in-law
• Position/s held:
  • Vice Mayor, Tagaytay City (2022-present)
  • Mayor, Tagaytay City (2013-2022)

Summary:

Stance on Key Issues

On Poverty, Controlling Inflation and Jobs

• Seeks to pass a universal national minimum wage law to equalize the wages of those in the provinces and in Metro Manila.
• Wants to put in place a financial assistance program for farmers, akin to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, and establish specialist health centers in every region.
• Urged the National Economic and Development Authority in November 2024 to review the rice tariff program and address rice inflation, despite an executive order signed by Marcos Jr. that sought to lower rice prices by lowering rice tariff.

On Fighting Graft and Corruption

• Co-authored bill recognizing the legitimacy of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and taxing them. Then-president Rodrigo Duterte signed this into law on Sept. 22, 2021.
• Called for the suspension of POGO activities, prior to the ban imposed by President Marcos Jr. in his State of the Nation Address.
• Urged the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. to review and clarify its policies on regulating POGOs.
• Did not sign the joint report of the Senate Committees on Ways and Means and Public Order and Dangerous Drugs in 2023, which recommended the gradual phaseout of POGOs. The senator said she was not able to study the report thoroughly as a reason for not signing it.

On West Philippine Sea

• Advocates for the Philippines being a “friend of all” amid the tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
• Wants a self-reliant defense posture to beef up the Philippines’ defense force with updated equipment manufactured in the country.

On The Drug War

• Opposes the ongoing probe of the International Criminal Court into the extrajudicial killings in the Duterte administration’s drug war.

On Disaster-preparedness

• Seeks to create the National Resiliency and Disaster Management Authority that tackles disaster prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, rehabilitation, and recovery.
• Underscores the need to improve access to the People’s Survival Fund (PSF), a fund given by the government for projects of local government units and civil society organizations. The PSF has approved projects that allow communities to establish early warning systems and introduce farming technologies in agricultural areas affected by typhoons.

Government Experience/Field of Expertise

• Senator (2019 - 2025)
• Governor, Ilocos Norte (2010 - 2019)
• Representative, Ilocos Norte second district (1998 - 2017)
• Assemblywoman, regular Batasang Pambansa - Ilocos Norte (1984 - 1986)
• Chairperson, Kabataang Barangay Foundation

Issues and Controversies

• In 1991, a district court in Hawaii found Marcos liable for the wrongful death (by torture) of Archimedes Trajano, an engineering student from Mapúa University, and ordered her to pay over $4 million in damages and legal fees to Trajano’s family. The Trajano family never received this payment, as Marcos argued before the Supreme Court (SC) the validity of service of summons of a Pasig Regional Trial Court, which affirmed the Hawaii Court decision. The SC ruled in favor of Marcos on the basis that the Pasig RTC failed to properly serve the summons on her.
• Marcos’ website bears the false claim that she was the founder and chair of Kabataang Barangay from 1975 to 1986.
• Several reports have also debunked Marcos’ claims about her alleged educational degrees from Princeton University and the University of the Philippines – College of Law.

Family Members in Government

Matthew J. Marcos Manotoc

• Relationship: Son
• Position/s held:
  • Governor – Ilocos Norte (2019 – present)
  • Board Member – Ilocos Norte (2016 – 2019)

Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

• Relationship: Father
• Position/s held:
  • President (1965 – 1986)
  • Senator (1959 – 1965)

Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

• Relationship: Brother
• Position/s held:
  • President (2022 – present)
  • Senator (2010 – 2016)
  • Representative – Ilocos Norte, second district (2007 – 2010)
  • Governor – Ilocos Norte (1998 – 2007)
  • Representative – Ilocos Norte, second district (1992 – 1995)

Imelda Romualdez Marcos

• Relationship: Mother
• Position/s held:
  • Representative – Ilocos Norte, second district (2010 – 2019)
  • Representative – Leyte, first district (1995 – 1998)
  • Assemblywoman – Interim Batasang Pambansa, Region IV/Metropolitan Manila (1978 – 1984)

Pacifico Marcos

• Relationship: Uncle
• Position/s held:
  • Chairman – Philippine Medical Care Commission (1971-1983)

Alfredo “Bejo” Romualdez

• Relationship: Uncle
• Position/s held:
  • Mayor – Tacloban City (1998 – 2007)

Personal Information

• Age and date of birth: 58 (March 22, 1966)
• Party: Nacionalista Party
• Highest Educational Attainment: Bachelor of Laws, University of the Philippines – College of Law
• Highest Government Position Held: Senator

Summary

Stance on Key Issues

On Poverty, Controlling Inflation, and Jobs

• Supports the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) law which formalized flexible work arrangements for businesses within the Philippines’ economic zones and freeports and expanded tax incentives for foreign investors.

On Fighting Graft and Corruption

• Sponsored and co-authored a bill recognizing the legitimacy and imposing taxes on POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) in 2021. Turned around in 2023 when she signed the joint committee report of the Senate Committees on Ways and Means and Public Order and Dangerous Drugs recommending the gradual phaseout of POGOs.
• Commended the Office of the Solicitor General’s plan to cancel fraudulent birth certificates of foreigners and said Philippine citizenship is “not for sale.” She cited the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s findings that unearthed the exploitation of the civil registration system of illegal POGOs.

On West Philippine Sea

• None on record.

On The Drug War

• Led a Senate probe into the Duterte administration’s drug war in October 2024, citing it as important for Filipinos, especially for families who have been “victims of the evils it has caused.”

On Disaster Preparedness

• Sponsored a law giving importance to children as the most vulnerable, before, during, and after disasters and other emergency situations, and integrated this into the country’s disaster response.
• Co-sponsored and co-authored a bill requiring large businesses and plastics to recover their plastic packaging waste—materials known to worsen flooding, choke up drainage systems, and endanger marine habitats. This bill lapsed into law on July 23, 2022.

Government Experience / Field of Expertise

• Senator: (2004-2010, 2010-2016, 2019-present)
• Representative - Taguig City, second district: (2016-2019)
• President - Coordinating Committee of Women Parliamentarians at the Inter-Parliamentary Union: (2008-2010)
• First Vice President - Coordinating Committee of Women Parliamentarians: (2006-2008)
• President - 10th Meeting of Women Parliamentarians of the 112th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly: (2005)

Issues and Controversies

• Co-authored and was the principal sponsor of the law recognizing the legitimacy and imposing taxes on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in 2021.
• Signed in 2023 the joint committee report of the Senate Committees on Ways and Means and Public Order and Dangerous Drugs recommending the gradual phaseout of POGOs.

Family Members in Government

Alan Peter S. Cayetano

• Relationship: Son
• Position held:
  • Councilor, Tagaytay City (2019-present)

Lino Edgardo Cayetano

• Relationship: Brother
• Positions held:
  • Mayor - Taguig City (2019-2022)
  • Representative - Taguig City, second district (2013-2016)

Rene "Ren" Carl S. Cayetano

• Relationship: Brother
• Position held:
  • Councilor - Muntinlupa City (2013-2016)

Renato "Compañero" Cayetano

• Relationship: Father
• Positions held:
  • Senator (1998-2003)
  • Assemblyman - Interim Batasang Pambansa, Taguig-Pateros-Muntinlupa district (1984-1986)

Ma. Laarni Lopez-Cayetano

• Relationship: Sister-in-law
• Positions held:
  • Mayor - Taguig City (2010-2019, 2022-present)
  • Representative - Taguig, second district (2019-2022)
  • Representative - Taguig-Pateros, lone district (2007-2010)

Summary:

Stance on Key Issues

On Poverty, Controlling Inflation and Jobs

• While Lapid supports the pending measure for a ₱100 wage hike for minimum wage earners, he admits that it would be challenging to enact such a legislation, citing the need to balance employers' and employees' interests.
• Filed bills related to the welfare and protection of workers in business process outsourcing, media, and freelancing.
• Co-authored RA 10653, which institutes tax exemption for workers' bonuses and other benefits not exceeding ₱82,000.

On Fighting Graft and Corruption

• Supported the Senate hearings on POGO-related crimes and pushed fellow lawmakers to investigate the hub in his hometown in Pampanga. However, in July, he said he was not in favor of a total ban on POGOs.

On the West Philippine Sea

• Was among the senators who signed a resolution in 2021 condemning China’s illegal activities in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.
• One of the authors of RA 12065, which establishes the country's archipelagic sea lanes and regulates foreign ships and aircraft passing through the Philippines’ archipelagic waters.

On The Drug War

• None on record

On Disaster Preparedness

• Filed a bill requiring government agencies and local government units to present in easily understandable form and translate to Filipino and regional languages announcements, advisories, and other issuance related to local or national disasters.
• Filed a bill seeking to establish a Department of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management to “harmonize policies” in disaster risk reduction, among others.

Government Experience/Field of Expertise

• Senator (2004 - 2016; 2019 - 2025)
  • Authored and co-authored the following laws: Free Legal Assistance Act, Biometrics Act, Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, Foundling Recognition and Protection Act, and Basic Education Mental Health and Well-being Promotion Act.
• Governor - Pampanga (1995 - 2004)
• Vice Governor - Pampanga (1992 - 1995)

Issues and Controversies

• In 2024, an unnamed vlogger alleged that Lapid owns the 10-hectare land where a controversial Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) compound was located in Porac, Pampanga. Lapid denied the allegation and vowed to resign if proven to have ties to POGOs.
• The Ombudsman charged him with graft in 2014 for alleged purchase of overpriced fertilizers when he was Pampanga governor in 2004. The case was dismissed in 2016 by the Sandiganbayan due to delays in the preliminary investigation. The Supreme Court reversed the decision in 2019, urging Sandiganbayan to resume hearing the case "with reasonable dispatch."
• In 2013, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that Lapid used ₱5 million of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) in 2011 to purchase anti-dengue chemicals for four towns in Quezon province where there were no dengue outbreaks. Lapid argued there were no irregularities, saying he had "no other means" to allocate his PDAF but through the local government units.

Issues and Controversies (Continued)

• In 2013, Lapid’s wife, Marissa Tadeo Lapid, was sentenced by a United States district court to five months of home confinement and three years of probation after pleading guilty to bulk cash smuggling charges.
• In 2009, then Pampanga governor Ed Panlilio filed a plunder complaint against Lapid and his son Mark Lapid for allegedly failing to remit ₱568-million worth of quarry funds during their respective terms as governor. Then Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez cleared the Lapids in 2011 after the accuser "miserably fail[ed] to show that respondents acquired ill-gotten wealth."
• In 1999, the Ombudsman suspended Lapid for one year over his alleged involvement in illegal quarrying and collection of exorbitant fees in Pampanga. In 2000, the Supreme Court ordered Lapid’s immediate reinstatement as Pampanga governor after ruling that the Ombudsman’s suspension was not immediately executory.
• His son Mark Lapid, former Pampanga governor and now chief operating officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, was charged with graft over an allegedly anomalous water and sewerage system project in Boracay in 2018.
• In 2011, his youngest son Maynard Lapid was charged with frustrated murder for allegedly ordering to beat up complainants at a bar in July 2010. Maynard said he was the victim and the complaint was filed to extort from them.

Family Members in Government

Mark Lapid

• Relationship: Son
• Position/s held:
  • Chief operating officer - Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, formerly the Philippine Tourism Authority (2008 - 2016; 2021 - present)
  • Mayor - Bacoor City (2016 - 2022)
  • Seeking reelection
  • Governor - Pampanga (2004 - 2007)

Maynard Lapid

• Relationship: Son
• Position/s held:
  • Member - Sangguniang Bayan - Porac, Pampanga (2013 - 2022)
  • Candidate for councilor - Porac, Pampanga

Ma-An Krista Lapid-Legaspi

• Relationship: Daughter
• Position/s held:
  • Terminal Head - Bureau of Immigration-Clark

ELECTION PROFILE

Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa #22

Summary:

Stance on Key Issues

On Poverty, Controlling Inflation and Jobs

• Admitted he was not knowledgeable on economic matters such as inflation when he filed for his first Senate run in 2018.
• Co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 2534 aiming to increase the daily minimum wage by P100.

On Fighting Graft and Corruption

• One of 17 senators who voted to tax and legalize Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs); walked back on his support by co-sponsoring the Anti-POGO Act of 2024.
• Vocal critic of the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) program, alleging that it may become a vessel for corruption among legislators.

On West Philippine Sea

• Seeks to increase funding and support for the country’s armed forces in order to beef up defenses in the West Philippine Sea.
• Will refile the bill reimposing mandatory Reserve Officer Training Corps in schools to mobilize the citizenry against China’s aggression.
• Co-sponsored the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, citing it as a measure to assert the country’s claim over the West Philippine Sea.

On The Drug War

• Says he “does not regret anything” and is “thankful” for the outcome of the drug war because it bolstered him to the Senate.
• Insists that the International Criminal Court does not have jurisdiction in the country and will seek “judicial relief” should the court enter the country.

On Disaster-Preparedness

• Proposed additional funding for national defense and reinstating mandatory Reserve Corps training as essential to disaster response, saying these groups take charge in relief operations.
• Co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 2780 recognizing the Loss and Damage Fund Board, which provides financial aid to persons affected by extreme weather events in countries most impacted by climate change.

Government Experience/Field of Expertise

• Senator (2019 – present)
• Director General, Bureau of Corrections (2018)
• Chief, Philippine National Police (2016–2018)
• Executive Officer, Philippine National Police Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development (2015–2016)
• Deputy Director for Administration, Philippine National Police Intelligence Group (2014–2016)
• Deputy Director for Operations, Philippine National Police Intelligence Group (2014)
• Chief of Staff, Philippine National Police Intelligence Group (2013–2014)
• City Director, Philippine National Police PRO11 Davao City Police Office (2012–2013)
• Chief, Philippine National Police PRO11 Regional Logistics and Research Development Division (2011–2012)
• Provincial Director, Philippine National Police PRO11 Davao del Sur (2009–2011)
• Provincial Director, Philippine National Police PRO11 Compostela Valley (2007–2009)
• Chief, Philippine National Police PRO11 Regional Intelligence and Investigation Division (2005–2007)
• Chief, Unit Training Program Division, Philippine National Police Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development (2003–2005)
• Chief, Davao Satellite Office, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (1998–2001)
• Battalion Commander, Philippine National Police Regional Mobile Group (1997–1999)
• Commander, Bunawan Police Station (1996–1997)
• Chief of Intelligence Division, Davao City Police Office (1996–1997)
• Commander, Mobile Group Commander, Davao City Police Office (1996–1997)
• Station Commander, Sasa Police Station (1992–1996)
• Chief of Police, Bansalan Municipal Police Station (1990–1991)
• Ex-O 413th Surigao del Sur PC Coy (1988–1989)
• Commanding Officer, Philippine Constabulary Regional Special Action Force (1986–1988)

Issues and Controversies

• Devised “Oplan Tokhang” from his Davao City police chief days, referring to the house-to-house operations that saw thousands of illegal drug suspects dead under Rodrigo Duterte’s stints as mayor and president.
• Under investigation by the International Criminal Court for his role in the killing of drug suspects under Duterte’s war on drugs.
• Has been defending Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged misspending of confidential funds and slammed the proponents of her impeachment, accusing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and House Speaker Martin Romualdez of conniving against her.

Family Members in Government

None

Election Profile

Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go #28
Senator, 19th Congress (as of Feb. 5, 2025)

Personal Information

• Age and date of birth: 50 (June 14, 1974)
• Party: Partido Demokratiko Pilipino
• Highest Educational Attainment: B.S. Marketing, Ateneo de Davao University
• Highest Government Position Held: Senator

Summary

Reelectionist Go said he will continue to focus on healthcare services, being the main proponent of Malasakit Centers. He also intends to improve food security, jobs, education, and youth programs. Go wants to promote sports to divert the youth from illegal drug use.

Stance on Key Issues

On Poverty, Controlling Inflation, and Jobs

• Initiated the Malasakit Centers in 2018 by sponsoring its legislation to provide medical relief amid rising inflation. These centers coordinate aid from PhilHealth, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, the Department of Health, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
• Co-authored Senate Bill No. 2534 seeking to increase the daily minimum wage by ₱100.
• Authored several bills seeking to promote rural industries, one of which has become law – the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development Financing Enhancement Act of 2022.

On Fighting Graft and Corruption

• One of 17 senators who voted in 2021 to tax and legalize Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs). In 2024, he did an about-face and claimed he had always opposed POGOs.
• Filed several bills pushing to intensify government accounting and modernize government agencies to curb red tape and corruption.

On West Philippine Sea

• Condemned China’s various acts of aggression in the West Philippine Sea and has repeatedly called on Beijing to respect the 2016 arbitral ruling.
• Filed Senate Bill No. 2112 seeking to modernize the Philippine Coast Guard in order to beef up the country’s defense in the West Philippine Sea.

On The Drug War

• A vocal supporter of Duterte’s war on drugs, calling the allegations of a reward system in the killing of drug suspects “baseless.”
• Asserts that the International Criminal Court has no jurisdiction in the country and has backed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s decision to not cooperate with their investigation.

• Mobilizes his Malasakit team to distribute post-calamity relief.
• Filed bills establishing a Department of Disaster Resilience and mandating evacuation centers to be set up in every city, municipality, and province in the country.

Government Experience / Field of Expertise

• Senator (2019 – present)
• Special Assistant to the President of Rodrigo Duterte (2016–2018)
• Executive Assistant to Rodrigo Duterte
  • First Congressional District Office (1998–2001)
  • Office of the City Mayor (2001–2010; 2013–2016)
  • Office of the Vice Mayor (2010–2013)

Issues and Controversies

• Go was accused of financing the killing of illegal drug suspects under former president Rodrigo Duterte by self-confessed former hitmen, who submitted written testimonies to the International Criminal Court, and by former police colonel Royina Garma in her testimony before the House quad committee.
• The House quad committee has recommended that Go be charged with crimes against humanity over his alleged involvement in extrajudicial drug war killings.
• Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV filed a plunder complaint against Go in 2024, accusing him of awarding ₱6 billion in warship contracts to companies owned by his family from 2007 to 2018. Go was investigated over the issue in 2018, and he claimed innocence.

Family Members in Government

• None

• Reelectionists (incumbents seeking another term)
• Returning (former senators running for a new term)
• Former government officials
• Members or are backed by major political parties

Made it at least once in the top 20 of pre-election surveys conducted by independent pollsters Pulse Asia, Social Weather Stations and OCTA Research.

• Poverty, jobs and inflation
• Fighting graft and corruption
• West Philippine Sea
• Drug war
• Disaster preparedness

Each profile also contains the candidate's legislative agenda, government experience or field of expertise, issues and controversies faced, relatives in government and other interesting facts. Also included are the pertinent fact checks of, or related to the candidate, done by VERA Files Fact Check and its media and academic partners in the Tsek.ph collaboration.

Part 1 of the series covers incumbent senators seeking reelection: Pia Cayetano, Ronald Dela Rosa, Christopher Lawrence Go, Maria Imelda Marcos, Manuel Lapid, Ramon Revilla Jr. and Francis Tolentino.

Editorial Cartoon

CRYING OVER CHOICES

Sixth of a series

IN last week's column, a conclusion was arrived at as a response to a question on whether the Philippines can produce a moral leader with Lincolnesque qualities embodying "integrity, moral courage and principled leadership..." President FVR, after the EDSA revolution that he helped foment, may have been the closest exemplar of this type of leadership. Given the hindsight of history, however, the good president barely made a dent in the system of governance itself. He initiated changes in the dysfunctional unitary-presidential structure of government enshrined in the 1987 Constitution and attempted a constitutional revision, shifting to parliamentary government. He failed!

FVR was a believer in the "free market." He fashioned his "Philippine Vision 2000," his socioeconomic program toward industrialization by the turn of the century, by breaking down monopolies in the banking and financial sectors, power and energy and the stagnant telecommunications sectors, among others. But there were near misses as when he lost our steel industry, which thrived during the 1950s and 1960s. Liberalizing the economy without first reforming the political and systemic underpinnings of his government merely transferred control of these industries from inefficient state parastatals to the oligarchy.

Estrada, GMA, PNoy administrations

Subsequent presidents understood that the systemic defects in the 1987 Constitution needed to be eliminated. FVR's presidency was followed by the ex-actor "Erap" and economist Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Both attempted a restructuring through the former's Constitutional Correction for Development (Concord) and the latter's Constitutional Commission (2006 ConCom). President GMA proposed to shift our form of government from unitary-presidential to federal-parliamentary. The legislature, the bastion of political dynasties and the oligarchy blocked constitutional revisions to effect these changes. Inevitably, the system consumed Erap's and GMA's administrations in corruption, ending their careers ignominiously with brief jail time for plunder (which was later dropped).

President Noynoy Aquino had to protect his mother Cory's 1987 Constitution and her legacy, and no attempt at structural reforms was initiated. And the system's defects allowed him one of his most anomalous acts — the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona, with the complicit legislature bribing the senators with millions of pesos to convict. Some of these honorable men are still sitting senators, and some are seeking re-election.

The Deegong

President Duterte's human rights violations through the extrajudicial killings (EJK) in his war against illegal drugs are no less deadly and shameful as his administration's massive corruption scandals during the Covid-19 pandemic. I wrote back then: "All these occurring during the country's highest regime of pain and trauma, the continued harvest of dead souls through mismanagement of the pandemic and its resultant economic devastation. The repercussions are wide and long-term, and the aftermath is grim. The leadership of today's branches of government will be answerable to the generations to come."

Corruption and incompetence — a deadly combination

And BBM's watch today is no better. It does not only reek with the stench of corruption in cahoots with his allies in Congress — Speaker Martin and his minions — but is exacerbated by his incompetence. There is no dearth of instances, as revealed by his first executive secretary, spokesman and erstwhile campaign strategist, lawyer Vic Rodriguez, that many positions in the bureaucracy and boards of government corporations remained unfilled for months on end because the president had to refer to the first lady. He was promptly replaced as executive secretary, reportedly upon the behest of the president's wife, after just 79 days in that high position.

This is presidential incompetence on a grand scale if an unelected individual in the confidence of the president, his wife, has a say in running the government bureaucracy. From the words of his own vice president — although self-serving as their UniTeam is irreparably broken — "The sitting leader does not know how to become president... I don't ever remember him discussing what he would do in government." VP Sara was referring to BBM's mishandling of such problems as inflation and food security to what she called a lack of clear government policies.

Asian exemplars

It is generally an accepted truism that after WWII, the Philippines was at par or even economically ahead or more progressive than our neighbors. For these purposes, I cite only three — Singapore, South Korea and Malaysia. Today, in the ranking of the most progressive countries, the Philippines (GDP $437/$10,755 per capita) ranks far behind these three countries: Singapore (GDP $501 billion/$141,500), South Korea (GDP $1.71 trillion/$54,033) and Malaysia (GDP $400 billion/$37,248).

Political economists attribute these to many factors. But among those dominant ones are their systems of governance. Singapore has a parliamentary-unitary form; Malaysia has a parliamentary with constitutional monarchy; and South Korea has a presidential system similar to ours but with a unicameral legislature and no competing power bloc equivalent to the Philippine Senate.

But more importantly, they have strong and driven leaders, patriots, and men possessed with the political will to ram their visions through for the good of their people — which we in the Philippines have pined for but never had.

These are the common features of Singapore's Lee Kwan Yew, Malaysia's Mahathir Mohammad Mahathir and South Korea's Park Chung-hee.

These leaders appeared at crucial moments in their respective countries' history and played pivotal roles in transforming them into economic powerhouses. They may not be moral in the Judeo-Christian context that in the Philippine cultural profile we cherish so much in our leadership yet only pay lip service to.

Foremost among these traits were their clear visions for their country's future. They demonstrated strong, sometimes authoritarian, leadership to implement their plans. They prioritized economic development and national stability, often at the expense of the liberal Western-imposed values on personal freedoms and political dissent.

They embraced a model of state-led economic development, where government played a significant role in directing economic policies, investing in key industries, and fostering strategic sectors. This often included the establishment of state-owned enterprises and the promotion of export-oriented growth. And they valued meritocracy in their bureaucracy to manage these parastatals.

All three leaders recognized the importance of education and skills development, investing heavily in education systems to create a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly changing global economy. The Philippine system is trimmed toward producing OFWs.

Each leader implemented policies that created favorable conditions for foreign direct investment (FDI). They offered incentives, established special economic zones, and ensured political stability with an iron fist to attract multinational corporations. The economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution have long been a hindrance to FDIs. Calls for amendment and revisions have been stymied by the oligarchy and their allies, the political dynasties out to protect their interests.

They promoted export-led strategies, focusing on manufacturing and technology sectors to drive economic growth. This was particularly evident in South Korea and Singapore, where exports became a significant driver of GDP growth.

And more importantly, these leaders implemented measures to control corruption and improve governance, which helped build trust in government institutions and created a conducive environment for business.

And so, I reiterate: shackled to an inherently defective system of governance, can we ever have this type of leadership in our country?