SEN. Bong Go has expressed alarm over the possibility that drug lords and other criminal elements would become emboldened as investigations into former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on illegal drugs have provided an avenue for them to twist facts, undermining the anti-drug-and criminality drive.
The senator pointed out to reporters on Monday, October 14, the dangers of a resurgent illegal drug trade and urged the public to reflect on the safety and security they experienced during Duterte’s presidency.
He urged the Filipino people to judge whether their lives had improved during Duterte’s tenure, especially regarding public order.
“It’s up to you, my fellow citizens, to decide whether our children can live safer lives without being harmed or abused by drug addicts during the time of former president Duterte. You see, when illegal drugs resurface, it’s even more frightening,” he said in Filipino.
He emphasized that the resurgence of illegal drugs could endanger public safety, especially for the families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
“Overseas Filipino workers have peace of mind when working abroad, knowing that their children are safe from harm and are not at risk of being harmed or molested while walking at night. They can return home safely and unharmed,” Go said.
He said that Duterte’s achievements were evident in the support he received from the Filipino people during his State of the Nation Addresses (SONAs), particularly when the anti-drug campaign was mentioned.
Go could not hide his disappointment over how those who once stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Duterte have turned their backs on him.
“You can judge whether the Filipino benefited from his strong stance against illegal drugs during his time as President, he reiterated. Then why is he being blamed now? Why is he alone now? Didn’t you benefit [from it]? he lamented.
The senator said allegations that Duterte had implemented a so-called reward system in the war on drugs were baseless.
“There is no reward system,” Go said.
“Former president Duterte fully supports the police and the uniformed personnel. In fact, in 2018, he doubled the wages of the police, military and uniformed personnel. We worked hard for it; we fought for it so they could continue their work. In 2018, their salary in entry positions was doubled,” he said
The senator also recalled how Duterte personally supported soldiers and police officers, particularly those wounded in action, by visiting them in military camps and providing financial and moral support.
Go said that he had no direct role in the anti-drug campaign.
He said he would support efforts to uncover the truth behind the drug war and any other allegations being made.
“If necessary, I can file a resolution to have an investigation here in the Senate so that we can find out what is true,” he said.
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