Bong Go: No reward system during war on drugs

MANILA, Philippines — Contrary to claims of a former police officer, Sen. Bong Go has strongly denied that a “reward system” was in place during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.

Go stressed that Duterte, a lawyer and former prosecutor, has always respected the rule of law and that no directives of his sanctioned “senseless killings.”

“No reward system was implemented before in exchange for anyone’s life,” Go said.

Responding to recent accusations stemming from the affidavit of retired police colonel Royina Garma during a Senate quad committee hearing, Go criticized what he called diversionary tactics aimed at muddling the real issue.

Go described the statements as “malicious and unsubstantiated” and urged the Senate to conduct a parallel but fair and impartial investigation into the allegations.

“I always say, the people have the right to know the truth. We should only be there for the truth and right. You know me. I prefer to work and serve my fellow Filipinos, but if my own name is tarnished, I won’t agree to that,” the senator firmly stated.

Go expressed dismay over how the accomplishments of the previous administration’s drug campaign are now being politicized, highlighting that the efforts once enjoyed widespread public approval for helping people feel safer in their communities.

“Unfortunately, the times are reversed today. Politics interferes with the investigations, and the efforts of the previous administration to clean the country against criminality and drugs are being ignored for the future of the people and our children,” he lamented.

Go, a special assistant to the president from when Duterte assumed office in 2016 until October of 2018, also stated that his role never involved any participation in police operations or financial management within the Office of the President, and categorically refuted claims linking the administration to incentivized killings.

“As the special assistant to the president then, I have no participation whatsoever, directly or indirectly, in the operational requirements of the war on drugs,” Go said.

“As stated in the executive order creating my position, my functions are limited to scheduling, appointments, and presidential engagements. My mandate does not include police operations,” he added.

His office has nothing to do with the operation and organization of the police force, according to the senator.

“I also do not personally handle the money of the Office of the President because that was not part of my duties then,” he said.