Bong Go denies reward system in drug war campaign

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go addressed the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee on Monday, denying allegations of a “reward system” that allegedly incentivized violence in former president Rodrigo Duterte’s crackdown on illegal drugs.

Go emphasized that no such system existed under Duterte’s orders, underscoring that the administration’s approach was guided by structured oversight, accountability and strict adherence to the law.

He firmly stated that Duterte’s anti-drug stance focused on deterrence rather than incentivized harm.

He further explained that Duterte’s warnings to rogue officers or “ninja cops” served as a means of intimidation to discourage misconduct, not as promises of reward for aggressive actions.

Duterte previously remarked that the system is unnecessary, saying the best reward a top-performing cop can get is a personal visit from him and asking them to eat in a restaurant or give monetary needs for the police’s loved ones, especially if the relative has a grave illness.

Go also clarified that he did not handle financial issues when he was still the special assistant to the president. His scope is only in the administrative and logistical aspects of the office.

He also shared the protocols for handling classified information within the executive branch, noting that sensitive reports were restricted to President Duterte’s review.

Go also urged the public to remember the sacrifices of those who fought for a safer Philippines, from law enforcement officers to everyday citizens, as he expressed hope that the legacy of Duterte’s anti-drug campaign would not be reduced to a divisive issue but rather seen as a complex, multifaceted endeavor aimed at protecting the public.

He lamented the reversal of the gains of Duterte’s drug war for peace and order as over 55 percent of barangays across the nation had been declared drug-free.

At a Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee hearing on Monday, Go also recalled the seizure of P76 billion worth of illicit drugs from the streets during the Duterte administration.

The senator outlined the campaign’s significant achievements, presenting data that highlighted both tangible and social impacts.

“Let the Filipino people judge whether they can walk at night without fear on the road,” Go said in his opening statement, underscoring how he believes the Filipino public’s own experiences are testament to the campaign’s success.

In addition to curbing drug activity, Go pointed to a substantial reduction in crime across the country, citing a more than 70 percent drop in crime rates within Duterte’s first five years in office.

Public approval of the campaign was also high, he noted, emphasizing that “79 percent or almost eight out of ten Filipinos support the campaign against illegal drugs.”

He attributed Duterte’s high approval and trust ratings throughout his term to the successes of this campaign.

As the hearing progressed, Go expressed disappointment over how the enforcement and gains of the anti-drug campaign are now being criticized and tainted.

He added that efforts to curb crime and drug activity have been “less rigorous” today.

Go also voiced concern for the many law enforcement officers who, in his view, risked their lives and made sacrifices for the anti-drug effort.

“Are we just going to treat the sacrifice of the law enforcement officers like that? Instead of thanking them, they seem to be trashed,” he lamented.

The former president’s own words during the hearing echoed the concerns raised by the senator.

“Unfortunately, drug-related crimes are on the rise again. Every day you can read about children being raped, people getting killed and robbed. And just recently, a drug den was raided within the Malacañang complex. This manifests that the purveyors of this menace are back in business,” Go said.

Go also addressed the human rights criticisms against Duterte, clarifying that the former administration’s sole intent was to create a safe and orderly environment, not to perpetuate a culture of violence.

He also appealed for a balanced view of the legacy of Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, reiterating the importance of recognizing the tangible improvements in public safety that were felt across the country while also addressing the criticisms that have emerged in recent years.

“The people recognize the positive changes brought by his administration. The efforts and hard work of the previous administration to clean the country against criminality and drugs – it’s nothing if it’s ignored,” he asserted, reiterating his belief that Duterte’s administration left a lasting impact on peace and order.