Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.
MANILA, Philippines — Following the authorization of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to resume its probe into the Philippines’ war on drugs under the previous Duterte administration, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go stressed that the independent judicial system in the country is working, eliminating the need for foreign courts to meddle in the country’s internal affairs.
“Ako naman po ay naniniwala sa ating judicial system dito sa ating bansa at nabanggit na po ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na kung sakali mang lilitisin siya ay dapat dito sa ating korte sa bansa,” said Go in an ambush interview after personally assisting fire victims in Quiapo, Manila City on January 31.
(I believe in our judicial system and former President Rodrigo Duterte has said that if ever he will be tried, it will be done here in our country’s court.)
“Ayaw natin na nanghihimasok ang ibang bansa sa ating judicial system. Meron naman tayong husgado dito, may judicial system tayo at malaki po ang tiwala natin dito,” he added.
(We do not want other countries to meddle with our judicial system. We have our judiciary, our judicial system and we trust them.)
Meanwhile, Go said he respects Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile’s recent remarks stating that the ICC lacks the authority to look into Philippine authorities on the internal campaign against illegal drugs.
“Ako po, nirerespeto ko po ang pahayag ni Secretary Enrile, ang ating Presidential Legal Counsel. Isa po siyang beterano, magaling na abogado,” said Go.
(I respect the statement of Secretary Enrile, our Presidential Legal Counsel. He is a veteran, a good lawyer.)
Enrile told the media during the forum for the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 in Pasay City on Monday that the government will not consent to any of its officials being subjected to an ICC investigation or trial.
“I’m telling you as lawyer of the President, I will not allow, as far as I’m concerned, I will not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC. They have no sovereign power over us,” Enrile said.
Enrile added that ICC investigators must get permission before entering the nation. He even went so far as to say that he would “cause their arrest” if he had his way.
Meanwhile, former presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque said in a press statement that Duterte reaffirmed that he would never let foreign entities try him as long as Philippine courts were willing and able to do so.
Additionally, Roque stated that while Duterte is prepared to confront any of his accusers, he would never submit himself to the authority of any foreign body since doing so would insult the competence and impartiality of the Philippine justice system.
Echoing Duterte’s sentiments, Go then mentioned that the Filipino people should judge the implementation and results of the Philippine drug war, not a foreign court.
“Anyway, ang taumbayan na po ang humusga. Ginawa po ni dating pangulong Duterte ang lahat ng kaniyang trabaho at para po ito sa kinabukasan ng ating mga anak. Ginawa niya po sa anim na taon, ginawa niya po na linisin ang bansa para ilayo po ang ating mga kababayan sa iligal an droga,” said Go.
(Let the people be the judge. Our former president has done everything to make a better tomorrow for our children. He has done it in six years, he was able to cleanse our country of illegal drugs for the benefit of our countrymen.)
“Abogado po ang ating mahal na dating Pangulo at ako po ay naniniwala na ginawa lang niya ang kaniyang trabaho,” he reiterated.
(Our beloved former president is a lawyer and I believe he had done his job well.)
Previously, Go stressed the importance of establishing mandatory rehabilitation centers nationwide to eradicate illegal drugs in the country and foster a more holistic approach to fighting the drug menace.
The lawmaker filed Senate Bill No. 428, which seeks to establish a Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in every province throughout the country, highlighting the remarkable gains from the previous administration’s campaign against illegal drugs and its success in likewise addressing criminality and corruption.
The Commission on Human Rights Executive Director has also expressed the agency’s support for the senator’s initiative of establishing a drug rehabilitation center in every province.
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