Bong Go on upcoming Senate probe on drug war: 'Let's get the truth out so we can focus on serving the people'

MANILA, Philippines — The weekend before he is set to participate in the much-anticipated Senate probe on the anti-narcotics campaign of the Duterte administration, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, was in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental to attend to the needs of indigents.

In an ambush interview, the former Special Assistant to then President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his eagerness to uncover the truth as well as gains behind Duterte’s drug war.

Go says equally important is for government officials to focus on bringing service to desperate Filipinos in the wake of the onslaught of typhoon “Kristine.”

“We only want the truth to come out. Kapag lumabas na ang totoo, mas makaka-focus na tayo sa trabaho at pagseserbisyo lalo na ngayon na madaming nasalanta, naghihihirap at nangangailangan ng tulong,” he said.

With the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee set to hold an inquiry in aid of legislation, Go emphasized that his primary interest is transparency and accountability, particularly in response to social issues tied to the campaign.

“Inihalal kami ng taumbayan para magserbisyo kaya walang rason para talikuran namin ang mandatong iyon,” he added.

He reiterated that the investigation should be solely driven by a commitment to uncover the reality of the campaign against illegal drugs as well as its benefits and consequences.

Earlier, he filed Senate Resolution No. 1217 calling on the Senate to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation on the campaign against illegal drugs by the Duterte administration.

As Vice Chair of the Senate committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, Go cited that in light of the prevalence of the illegal drug problem and its detrimental impacts in the country, former President Duterte was propelled to the presidency because of his vigorous and hardline stance against illegal drugs.

He said that the campaign against illegal drugs became the bedrock of the Duterte administration, which delivered a strong message that has resonated deeply with many Filipinos, fueled by their escalating frustration over the worsening drug crisis.

With allegations about potential human rights violations and abuse of power, Go said that it is imperative to uncover the truth and discern efforts that are meant to utterly discredit the campaign against illegal drugs.

“Our top objective is to examine the conduct of the said campaign in order for us to identify possible legislation to address the drug menace in a more holistic manner,” Go said.

“Bukod sa paghain ng posibleng panukala para maipagpatuloy ang kampanya kontra droga, nais rin nating mapalakas ang mga mekanismo upang maiwasan ang anumang violation o paglabag sa batas diumano sa pagtugis sa mga kriminal,” he added.

Reflecting on the past, Go pointed out how Duterte’s war on drugs brought significant benefits to ordinary citizens with its strong stance against crimes.

“Kaya mahalaga na balikan natin ang nasabing kampanya ng nakaraang administrasyon at suriin ang mga epektibong pamamaraan na pwedeng magamit sa kasalukuyan. Titingnan din natin ang mga iba't ibang alegasyon hinggil sa pagpapatupad nito,” he said.

“Noong panahon ni dating Pangulong Duterte, ang durugista po ang takot. At ayaw nating mangyari na ang durugista ang muling maghasik ng lagim,” he said.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, as well as the Committees on Sports and on Youth, Go emphasized that the campaign against illegal drugs has far-reaching effects on society.

“Bukod sa krimen, may masamang epekto rin ang droga sa kalusugan lalo na sa mental health. Nais nating makabuo ng mga batas para maiwasan ang paglaganap nito at mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga nalulong sa droga na magbagong buhay,” he explained emphasizing the need to focus on both prevention and rehabilitation.

“Magiging patas po tayo sa imbestigasyong ito. Ang tanging hangarin natin ay maproteksyunan ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino, matigil ang kriminalidad at iligal na droga, alang-alang sa kinabukasan ng mga kabataan,” he said earlier.

Go, in his statements, remained firm on the necessity of the probe focusing solely on factual information, stating, “Katotohanan lamang po. Doon lang tayo umikot sa katotohanan.”