Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has expressed his firm support for bloggers and social media personalities, highlighting their significant role in shaping public discourse and bringing attention to important national issues. He affirmed that the digital space should remain a platform for free expression and truth-telling.
“Ang mga bloggers, mga social media influencers ay may mahalagang papel sa lipunan. Sila ang boses ng taumbayan. Dapat silang suportahan, hindi patahimikin, basta doon lang tayo sa kung ano ang totoo,” said Go. “Mahalaga ang malayang pagpapahayag ng saloobin, lalo na sa mga usaping may direktang epekto sa ating mga kababayan.”
The senator’s statement comes amid ongoing discussions on disinformation and accountability in digital platforms. Go maintained that freedom of expression and of speech must be upheld without hesitation or fear.
“Ang demokrasya ay buhay dahil may kalayaan tayong magsalita. Kaya’t suportado ko ang paggamit ng social media sa layuning magpahayag, magtanong, at magbigay-liwanag sa mga isyu,” he said.
Go stressed that netizens, as part of the modern public sphere, have the right to question and critique policies, programs, and public officials. He acknowledged their role in disseminating information, raising public awareness, and fostering dialogue.
“Importante ang papel nila sa paglalabas ng katotohanan. Kailangan natin ng iba’t ibang pananaw upang mas maliwanagan ang publiko. Karapatan nila ang magsalita, magtanong, at magbatikos kung kinakailangan. Basta huwag lang makompromiso ang katotohanan,” Go stated.
He also underscored the importance of listening to their insights, recognizing their contributions to policy discussions and civic engagement. The senator, known for actively engaging with the public through various platforms, encouraged digital creators to continue sharing their perspectives while doing it in a responsible manner.
“Sa mga bloggers, huwag kayong titigil sa pagpapahayag ng totoo. Kayo ang tulay ng impormasyon sa marami nating kababayan. Sa inyong mga boses, mas napapalapit ang pamahalaan sa tao,” he said.
While firmly backing the rights of bloggers, Go emphasized that dialogue and mutual understanding between content creators and policymakers are key to addressing challenges in the digital space. He believes both sectors can learn from each other and work towards solutions that balance freedom of expression and of speech with public interest.
“Mas makikinabang ang bayan kung may pag-uusap. Ipaglaban natin ang kalayaan sa pamamahayag habang patuloy na nakikinig at nakikipagtalakayan nang may paggalang,” he said.
The senator concluded by encouraging those using social media to remain true to their mission of providing accurate information and amplifying public concerns. He assured them that their role in democracy is indispensable and that their voices are valuable in shaping the nation’s future.
“Ang boses ng tao, saan mang plataporma inihahayag, ay laging mahalaga. Sama-sama tayo para sa bayan,” Go said.
