IN a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Monday, October 28, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go brought into focus the achievements and enduring challenges of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial war on drugs.
Go revisited the campaign’s milestones and its positive impact on public safety while expressing deep concern over how the hard-won gains are now being diminished and, in his view, no longer felt as strongly by the public.
“Ang sambayanang Pilipino na po ang humusga kung nakakapaglakad ba sila sa gabi na walang takot sa daan,” Go began in his opening statement, underscoring how he believes the Filipino public’s own experiences are testament to the campaign’s success.
Go outlined the campaign’s significant achievements, presenting data that highlighted both tangible and social impacts. During Duterte’s term, Go cited, over 55% of barangays across the nation had been declared drug-free—a feat that he argued was made possible by the seizure of PHP 76 billion worth of illicit drugs from the streets.
Such measures, Go noted, had far-reaching effects on communities and families.
In addition to curbing drug activity, Go pointed to a substantial reduction in crime across the country, citing a more than 70% drop in crime rates within Duterte’s first five years in office.
“Bukambibig po ‘yan ng ating mga kababayan kung gaano sila kapanatag lumabas sa lansangan kahit na disoras ng gabi,” he shared.
Go recalled encounters with grateful parents, who told him they could finally rest easy knowing their children could return home safely.
“Ako mismo, meron po akong nakakasalubong sa mga 7-11, nagpapasalamat na ligtas na raw po ang kanilang mga anak,” he added.
Public approval of the campaign was high, Go noted, emphasizing that “79% o halos walo sa bawat sampung Pilipino ang sumusuporta sa kampanya laban sa iligal na droga.”
He attributed Duterte’s high approval and trust ratings throughout his term to the successes of this campaign.
“Kaya naman po nanatiling mataas ang approval at trust ratings ni Pangulong Duterte mula simula hanggang sa pagtatapos ng kanyang termino,” Go stated.
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 contrasted the strong action taken during Duterte’s administration, which, in his view, had effectively curbed crime and drug activity, with what he perceives as a less rigorous approach today.
“Mr. Chair, nakakalungkot dahil bumaligtad na po ang panahon. Nagbago na ang ihip ng hangin,” he said.
“Ang pinagsikapan at pinaghirapan po ng nakaraang administrasyon na linisin ang bansa laban sa kriminalidad at droga—ganon-ganon na lang po ngayon kung balewalain,” he added, lamenting that the campaign’s accomplishments are being overlooked and potentially lost.
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, only to now be disregarded. He questioned whether it was fair to treat these officers with such disregard, expressing a belief that their contributions deserve acknowledgment and gratitude.
“Ganon na lang ba natin ita-trato ang sakripisyo ng mga alagad ng batas noon? Imbes na magpasalamat tayo sa kanila at sila po’y naging bayani noon, sila po ay tila binabasura,” he stated.
In Go’s words, during the height of the drug war, “panay puri ang naririnig natin, napakaganda ng ginawa ni PRRD,” highlighting how many once praised Duterte’s efforts to create a safer environment for Filipinos.
He expressed his disappointment over the current narrative, where “Bakit makalipas po ng tatlong taon puro paninira at paninisi na?” questioning the shift from appreciation to blame.
Go went on to ask how the accomplishments of the campaign, along with the efforts of those who supported it, could now be disregarded, noting,
“Paano naman po ‘yung mga taong nagtrabaho at tumulong para mabalik ang peace and order?”
Former President Duterte’s own words during the hearing resonated with such 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. The Filipinos are anxious and distressed.”
In addressing critics who have cited alleged human rights abuses in Duterte’s drug war, Go clarified that the administration’s sole intent was to create a safe and orderly environment, not to perpetuate a culture of violence.
Go stated emphatically,
“But, Mr. Chair, this does not mean that the Duterte Administration sanctioned human rights abuses.” He sought to dispel false allegations, asserting that Duterte’s priority was public safety, especially in terms of protecting Filipinos from the dangers of illegal drugs.
“Ang tanging hangarin ni dating Pangulong Duterte ay linisin ang ating bansa at labanan ang mga naghahasik ng lagim lalo na po pagdating sa iligal na droga,” he explained, stressing that the intent was never to harm, but rather to prevent harm from occurring within communities.
According to Go, Duterte never implemented a policy that disregarded human lives.
“Sa pagkakaalam ko, kailanman ay wala siyang ipinapatupad na anumang sistema kapalit po ang buhay ng sinuman!” he declared, arguing that Duterte’s campaign aimed to uphold the rule of law while tackling drug-related issues.
In concluding his remarks, Go appealed for a balanced view of the legacy of Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the tangible improvements in public safety that, according to him, were felt across the country, while also addressing the criticisms that have emerged in recent years.
“Kinikilala ng sambayanan ang mga positibong pagbabagong dala ng kanyang pamamalakad,” he asserted, reiterating his belief that Duterte’s administration left a lasting impact on peace and order.
Go urged the public to remember the sacrifices of those who fought for a safer Philippines, from law enforcement officers to everyday citizens. He expressed his 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.
“Ang pinagsikapan at pinaghirapan po ng nakaraang administrasyon na linisin ang bansa laban sa kriminalidad at droga—ganon-ganon na lang po ngayon kung balewalain,” he reiterated.
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