SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go vowed to push for more children protection programs as he stressed that it is the government’s job to keep Filipino children safe.

Go earlier echoed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s appeal for stronger government interventions against child exploitation and violence.

“Unahin natin ang mga mahihirap, mga hopeless at helpless, mga walang laban tulad ng mga kabataan. Proteksyunan natin ang kanilang kapakanan,” he said.

“Nakakabahala at nakakalungkot po kung mga kabataan pa po ang nagiging biktima dito. It is the State’s duty, like the parent of the nation, to protect its citizen, especially those who are not able to protect themselves, such as children who are vulnerable po and helpless,” he stressed.

The lawmaker has refiled Senate Bill 1188 that seeks to amend Republic Act No.7610 or the proposed Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act in a bid to enhance its protective measures for children.

The proposed law seeks to amend Section 5b of the Anti-Child Abuse Law regarding the penalty for persons engaging in lascivious conduct or sexual activity with minors under 12 years of age.

“I will continue to push and support initiatives and programs na nakalaan para sa proteksyon ng ating mga kabataan dahil sila ang pag-asa ng ating bayan,” Go said.

He and former President Rodrigo Duterte visited Balay Dangupan in Davao City to spread Christmas cheer among orphans.

Duterte and Go distributed Christmas baskets, meals, gift certificates, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 49 children and 29 shelter workers.