Dwayne Pelagio

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go denied allegations of a “reward system” that allegedly incentivized killings of drug suspects in the Duterte administration’s war on drugs during the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee hearing on Oct. 28.

Photo Courtesy of Rappler/Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau.

“Wala pong ‘di umano'y reward system kapalit ng war on drugs. Ni minsan po hindi ako authorized, hindi ako humahawak ng pera,” Go said during the hearing.

Go added that he doesn’t know any reward system under former president Duterte, stating that the administration’s approach was guided by structured oversight, accountability, and strict adherence to the law.

The senator also firmly defended the killings during the previous administration’s war on drugs.

“Talamak talaga ang ilegal na droga, napasukan ito ng sindikato at karamihan diyan armado. Kinailangan ang kamay na bakal,” Go stated in the Senate probe.

The former special assistant to the president cited that the previous chief executive won because of his campaign promise to rid the country of the scourge of illegal drugs.

The senator also mentioned in his speech during the probe that 55% of the barangays became “drug-free” during Duterte’s presidency and the crime rate went down by 70%.

Go added his dismay over the current situation of the war on drugs, citing the people’s widespread support “3 years ago.”

Former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Royina Garma accused Go on Oct. 11 of coordinating with National Police Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo in setting up a system that will give police officers incentives for killing drug suspects.