Press Release - Bong Go defends Duterte's War on Drugs; calls for impartial investigation on Garma's allegations

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go issued strong statements on the legacy of former President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs and the recent allegations made in the ongoing House of Representatives' Quad-committee hearings. Go emphasized the public's right to truth and fairness while defending the integrity of both the Duterte's administration and his role during that period.

In a statement, Go highlighted the cornerstone of Duterte's platform that led to his presidential victory: combating illegal drugs and crime. Go reminded that this was a crucial commitment made by Duterte to the Filipino people.

"Ilan sa mga plataporma na inilatag ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte noong tumatakbo palang siya na naging rason rin ng kanyang pagkapanalo ay ang kampanya kontra droga at kriminalidad na sumisira sa bayan. Kaya noong naging pangulo siya, 'kontrata' niya yan sa taumbayan na kalabanin talaga ang talamak na iligal na droga sa bansa at magkaroon ng maayos na lipunan," said Go.

He stressed that the campaign against illegal drugs was a key point in every State of the Nation Address (SONA) from 2016 to 2021, which received widespread support, even earning a standing ovation from those in attendance.

"Sa bawat SONA niya mula 2016 hanggang 2021, binanggit niya iyan sa harap ng buong sambayanang kanyang pinagsisilbihan," stated the senator.

This reflects the strong backing from both the Senate and the House of Representatives at the time. "Both Houses of Congress agree with this policy, even giving the former President a standing ovation when the war on drugs is mentioned during his SONAs," Go added.

Addressing criticisms of the campaign, Go defended Duterte's commitment to the rule of law, emphasizing that the former president, as a lawyer and former prosecutor, never condoned unlawful killings.

"The former President has stated numerous times that his administration never sanctioned nor tolerated any form of senseless killings. Abogado si FPRRD na naging prosecutor pa. He knows and has always respected the rule of law," Go stated.

Go also clarified his role during the Duterte administration, underscoring that as the Special Assistant to the President, his duties were limited