BAGUIO CITY – Rep. Mark Go recently vehemently denounced the evident ‘dirty political tactics’ being employed by the attack dogs of his rivals even if the May 12, 2025 mid-term elections is still more than nine months away purposely to ruin his image in the eyes of the city’s electorate.
In a statement released to the media, he claimed that he and his family is now being attacked with the emergence of twisted narratives to destroy his integrity, his office and the work he is doing for the welfare of the people.
Lately, a post in an online editorial falsely accused him of allegedly bribing media personalities using government funds for his political advantage and badmouthing a public official which he branded as ‘all lies’ and that the people deserve to know and understand the truth.
Go narrated that on August 17, 2024, with his genuine desire to be grounded on concerns in the city, he invited broadcasters and journalists, through the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters club (BCBC),
He added that for the past eight years, he and the media had several press conferences to discuss his work in Congress and other related legislative issues.
However, considering his full schedule that day, he opted not to conduct a formal conference with the members of the media but simply have dinner. During the dinner, the closure of a well known weekly publication was discussed along with the challenges the media is currently facing.
In response, Go encouraged the qualified members of the media to apply for the assistance programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as some of them might be qualified for the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang akita program (AKAP) which is a new intervention of the government assisting Filipinos whose income fall below the minimum wage and who are affected by inflation and other economic impacts.
According to him, for efficiency, during the said gathering, he requested his staff to gather initial information for DSWD. Only the said agency can determine whether applicants are qualified and not himself or his office. Contrary to the claims of the said post, no money was handed out, no forms were distributed and no promises were made.
Congressman Go claimed that the malicious posts being circulated are not just personal attacks but it also undermines the people and greatly insults the integrity of the media professionalism.
“The defamatory posts belittle the media. This is wrong and spreading this false narrative is concerning, Congressman Go stressed.
He pointed out that for the past eight years, he supported the seniors, women’s groups, youth, persons with disabilities, indigent families, solo parents, fire victims, drivers, patients, displaced workers and many more without discrimination.
Congressman Go explained that journalists and broadcasters were not given special treatment but they were guided towards a program they might qualify for, no more, no less.
He emphasized that the accusation that sharing information about government programs is an attempt to gain political favors is not only misguided but unfair since public service is about responding to the needs of their people, especially in times of need, whatever they may be.
“We want to ensure everyone is informed about the resources available to them. this is never for political gain, but our duty to the people we serve.,” he said.
On the other hand, Go was also accused of speaking ill of another official and claimed that he will be running for the city’s mayoralty post which he actually never did in the said gathering.
“For the last 8 years, you can observe that this type of behavior is not of my character – as a public servant and as a person. While I have been asked by several people, groups, and organizations to run for mayor, I have not made any decision at this time. My full focus remains on serving you as your Congressman. I have a lot to deliver for you and I am focused on doing just that. My actions are not for show. To me, not everything is about politics,” he added.
He stipulated that his priority is to genuinely serve and assist as many people as possible, with the highest level of integrity and compassion. He said that his record will speak for itself as he does not engage in divisive politics or result to underhanded tactics.
“I will not be distracted by baseless accusations or political games. And I will not get tired of saying this to all of you. If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to visit my office (Office of the Congressman – 2nd Floor, Baguio City Hall), and we will do our best to assist you. I ask for your vigilance against these attacks, Baguio family,” Congressman Go underscored, Congressman Go underscore. By HENT
