Under the reorganization, Go was assigned to lead both the Committee on Health and Demography and the Committee on Sports.
Go previously served for six years as Chairman of the Committee on Health and Demography before assuming the Vice Chairperson post after a Senate leadership change in September 2025.
"Nagpapasalamat ako sa tiwalang ibinigay sa akin ng aking mga kapwa senador. Para sa akin, ang mahalaga ay tuluy-tuloy ang trabaho para sa kalusugan ng mga Pilipino, lalo na ang mahihirap at walang ibang matakbuhan," Go said.
The senator said his return to the panel would keep his focus on improving access to public health services, strengthening support for patients, and monitoring the proper use of health funds, particularly the funds of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
"Dapat ang pondo para sa kalusugan ay mapunta sa pasyente. Hindi dapat mahirapan ang mahihirap na Pilipino sa pagpapa-check-up, pagpapa-ospital, at paghingi ng tulong medikal," he added.
Go's previous work in the health panel has been tied to several laws, health initiatives, and PhilHealth reforms. He is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized Malasakit Centers as one-stop shops for medical assistance. There are now 167 Malasakit Centers operating nationwide and have assisted more than 17 million Filipinos.
He also principally sponsored and is one of the authors of RA 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of specialty centers within existing Department of Health (DOH) regional hospitals.
PhilHealth has made significant progress in implementing wide-ranging reforms to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for Filipinos, especially the poor and marginalized, following numerous appeals from Go.
Notably, PhilHealth lifted the 45-day annual limit on hospitalizations for members and their dependents, allowing continued coverage for prolonged illnesses—especially those involving chronic or life-threatening conditions.
Under Go’s prodding, PhilHealth also pledged to expand its benefit offerings to include dental services, mental health care, outpatient drug coverage, diagnostic tests such as MRIs and CT scans, and medical transportation services. Coverage will also extend to assistive devices like wheelchairs and crutches, chemotherapy for cancer patients, treatment for severe cardiac conditions, and a broad range of rehabilitation services.
Major enhancements, among others, were also made to the Z Packages for kidney-related illnesses. Peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation now enjoy increased support, including both living and deceased donor procedures, as well as pediatric dialysis coverage. Additional reforms include comprehensive packages for ischemic heart disease, from emergency intervention to post-surgery rehabilitation, drastically improving the chances of recovery for patients with life-threatening cardiac conditions.
Go vowed to monitor these developments closely, reaffirming his commitment to champion a healthcare system that puts ordinary Filipinos first and leaves no one behind.
"Kung may batas o programa na makakatulong sa pasyente, susuportahan natin at babantayan natin ang implementation. Ang trabaho natin ay siguraduhin na maririnig ang hinaing ng mga pasyente, health workers, at mga ospital sa buong bansa," Go said.
As the committee again comes under his leadership, Go said the panel's work should remain focused on practical health concerns affecting ordinary Filipinos, especially those who rely on public hospitals, PhilHealth benefits, and government medical assistance.
"Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, anumang pagsubok ang ating haharapin sa susunod na mga araw, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos," Go said.
Senator Bong Go