Photo credit: Bong Go

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go recently defended former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s controversial war on drugs, calling it a campaign promise that was effectively delivered during his six years in office. Speaking on October 14, Go emphasized how Duterte's strong stance against illegal drugs resulted in safer communities across the country.

“Sa ginawa niyang strong stance against illegal drugs noong panahon niya bilang Pangulo, iyun ang isa sa kanyang ipinangako,” Go said, noting that Duterte had committed to fighting illegal drugs and criminality to protect Filipinos. “Lalabanan niya po ang iligal na droga, lalabanan niya po ang kriminalidad.”

For Senator Go, the results speak for themselves. He pointed out that ordinary citizens could walk their neighborhoods at night without fear, and overseas Filipino workers could rest easier knowing their families were safer back home. The Senator believes this feeling of security was one of the clearest outcomes of Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.

It’s a well-known fact that Duterte rose to power in 2016 on a platform centered around eradicating illegal drugs, fighting criminality, and rooting out corruption. Go recalled how the war on drugs was a recurring theme in Duterte’s State of the Nation Addresses (SONAs) from 2016 to 2021. "Tuwing binabanggit ni dating Pangulong Duterte ang war on drugs, nagpapalakpakan po ang lahat,” he shared, adding that members of Congress often gave standing ovations to show their support.

The war on drugs has had its share of controversies, but according to Go, the widespread approval it garnered—evidenced by an 88% satisfaction rating in a 2022 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey—underscores the public’s favorable view of the campaign. For him, these numbers reflect meaningful change during Duterte's tenure.

However, Go expressed his frustration over the criticisms directed at Duterte now, stating that despite the former President's dedication, he faces blame for the fallout of the drug war. “Itinaya niya po ang kanyang buhay dito, tapos ngayon mag-isa na lang siya, puro sisi pa ang inabot,” the Senator lamented.

In the end, Go said he would leave it up to the Filipino people to judge Duterte's legacy, urging them to remember the genuine improvements made during his administration. “Hayaan na po natin na taumbayan ang humusga,” he concluded.