Go files resolution on Senate probe into war on drugs

Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go   (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines — A resolution seeking to investigate former president Rorigo Duterte’s brutal and deadly drug campaign was filed in the upper chamber on Thursday. 

The measure — Senate Resolution No. 1217 — was filed by Duterte’s close friend Sen. Bong Go who earlier noted that conducting a probe parallel to that ongoing investigation of the House of Representatives’ quad committee would help disclose the real goal of the drug campaign.

“Our top objective is to examine the conduct of the said campaign in order for us to identify possible legislation to address the drug menace in a more holistic manner,” Go said in a statement.

“Aside from submitting a possible proposal to continue the campaign against drugs, we also want to strengthen the mechanisms to prevent any violation or violation of the law allegedly in the pursuit of criminals,” Go added in Filipino.

Earlier, Go alleged that the investigations in the lower chamber had “provided an avenue” to “twist facts to undermine the anti-drug campaign.”

Despite concerns raised by some, Go emphasized that the investigation would be fair. 

“We will be fair in this investigation. Our only objective is to protect the lives of every Filipino, stop criminality and illegal drugs, for the sake and future of the youth.)

During the House quad panel’s hearing on Oct. 11, retired police colonel Royina Garma said Go allegedly coordinated with National Police Commission Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo in setting up a financial reward system for police officers  for  every killed suspect in the drug list.

It, however, was denied by Go. 

Meanwhile, instead of the Senate panel on public order and dangerous drugs, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said it would be better if the probe would be conducted by the Senate committee of the whole.