SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go underscored the principles upheld by former President Rodrigo Duterte in addressing criminality—protecting innocent lives and ensuring that law enforcement operates within the bounds of the law.
Go reiterated that while Duterte’s administration was known for its hardline stance against crime, particularly the drug trade, the former president’s directives were clear: innocent lives should not be harmed, and law enforcers must act responsibly within the bounds of the law.
“Sabi nga ni Pangulong Duterte noon, wala siyang inutos pumatay ng inosente. Galit siya at gusto niyang tugisin ang mga ninja cops, ang mga abusadong pulis na naghahasik ng lagim sa droga, pumapatay, at kasabwat ng sindikato,” Go stated, highlighting Duterte’s resolve in fighting corruption within the police force.
The senator pointed out that despite doubling police salaries in the early years of Duterte’s term to encourage integrity, some officers persisted in engaging in criminal activities. This, according to Go, fueled Duterte’s well-known frustration.
Go also referenced the 2019 Senate investigation that tackled “ninja cops”—police officers involved in illegal activities—emphasizing Duterte’s clear stance on accountability.
“Kung matatandaan natin, na-imbestigahan ito sa Senado noon pa, kasi ito nga ‘yung rason na galit na galit si PRRD sa mga ganitong pulis. Dinoble na niya ang sweldo, pero pumapatay at nagloloko pa rin,” Go remarked.
Duterte’s position on this issue was previously affirmed during a Senate hearing where he dismissed the notion of incentivizing police work with financial rewards.
“Bakit ako magbabayad sa kanila, trabaho man nila ‘yan?,” Duterte had said, underlining that police officers were expected to perform their duties without the expectation of rewards.
Go concluded by reiterating that Duterte’s firm approach was rooted in a genuine desire to protect Filipinos and maintain the rule of law.
“Tulad din naman po ng sinabi ni PRRD noon sa kapulisan, gampanan po nila ang kanilang tungkulin, proteksyunan ang buhay at kapakanan ng mga inosente sa paraang naaayon sa batas,” Go said.
The senator stressed that these principles remain relevant as they continue to form legislative measures aimed at enhancing public safety, preventing abuse of power among law enforcers and promoting drug prevention and rehabilitation efforts.
Reflecting on his philosophy of public service, Go shared, “Noong ako’y nagseserbisyo kasama si dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, palagi kong naririnig na sinasabi n’ya, ‘Just do what is right.’ At ‘yan ang patuloy kong sinusunod. Gawin lang ang tama, unahin ang kapakanan ng mga mahihirap, at hinding hindi ka magkakamali.” (UnliNews Online)
