Bong Go insists on Bato-led committee probe into drug war

Metro Manila, Philippines – Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has formalized his proposal for a Senate probe into the bloody war on drugs, insisting that Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s committee lead the investigation despite calls for the former top cop to recuse himself to ensure impartial proceedings.

Go on Thursday filed proposed Senate Resolution No. 1217 which seeks to “direct the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation on the campaign against illegal drugs by the Duterte administration.”

In his three-page resolution, Go recalled that former President Rodrigo Duterte was elected on a strong anti-drug platform, boasting that over half of barangays nationwide were cleared of illegal drugs during Duterte’s term, with more than P76 billion worth of narcotics seized.

Go noted that 14,648 high-profile drug personalities were arrested, but he did not mention the thousands killed in anti-drug operations. Official government data lists 6,252 dead, while human rights groups estimate the actual number is closer to 30,000.

Go reiterated that the majority of lawmakers praised the drug war during Duterte’s State of the Nation Addresses, adding that Duterte ended his term with an 88% satisfaction rating.

“Amidst overwhelming public support, allegations of irregularity and various testimonies have recently surfaced alleging extrajudicial killings in the conduct of the campaign against illegal drugs,” Go said.

He referenced retired PCOL. Royina Garma’s testimony at the House of Representatives, claiming that Duterte ordered the nationwide implementation of the “Davao Model,” which involved rewarding police with up to P1 million for each drug suspect killed. Go also mentioned the claim by alleged drug lord Kerwin Espinosa that he was coerced into implicating former Senator Leila de Lima in the illegal drug trade. De Lima has been cleared of all drug charges.

“It is imperative that we uncover the truth and discern efforts that are meant to utterly discredit the campaign against illegal drugs,” Go said.

Early this week, Go announced that he was studying filing a resolution for a Senate drug war probe parallel to that of the House quad committee. Dela Rosa then said he will call for a hearing before the resumption of session on November 4, in light of a related issue earlier referred to his committee on the alleged drug links of Duterte’s son, Congressman Paolo Duterte, and son-in-law, Mans Carpio.

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said he has already advised Dela Rosa that it might be better for another senator to lead the probe to avoid allegations of partiality. He also expressed openness to Senator Risa Hontiveros’ suggestion for the Senate Committee of the Whole to handle the investigation.

Escudero said he is considering two other committees for the task: Blue Ribbon chaired by Senator Pia Cayetano, and justice and human rights of Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III.

The Senate leader said only the Blue Ribbon can begin a probe on its initiative, while the resolution will need to be referred to Pimentel’s committee when sessions resume on Nov. 4.

“Sumang-ayon naman si Senator Bato sa payo ko kung kaya’t kinakausap ko ang aming mga kasamahan kung ano ang magandang paraan at komite na mag-handle nito,” Escudero said in a statement.

[Translation: Senator Bato agreed with my advice, so I am discussing with our colleagues the best approach and which committee should handle this.]