Bong Go: No 'reward system' in Duterte's drug war

Senator Bong Go on Saturday flat out denied that there was a supposed "reward system" which allegedly reached as high as P1 million per kill in former president Rodrigo Duterte's war against illegal drugs. 

"Nais kong klaruhin na walang reward system na iniimplementa noon kapalit ang buhay ng sinuman," Go said in a statement.

(I want to clarify that no reward system was implemented before in exchange for anyone's life.)

"The former President has stated clearly numerous times that his administration never sanctioned nor tolerated any form of senseless killings," he added.

He also denied claims that he was involved in handling the money for the supposed reward system in the drug war.

"Bilang Special Assistant of the President noon, I have no participation whatsoever, directly or indirectly, in the operational requirements of the war on drugs," the lawmaker said. 

"Let me be very clear. Walang kinalaman ang aking opisina sa operasyon at organisasyon ng kapulisan. Hindi rin ako mismo humahawak ng pera ng opisina ng Pangulo dahil hindi yan parte ng mga tungkulin ko noon," he explained further. 

(My office has nothing to do with the operation and organization of the police. I also did not personally handle the money of the President's office because that was not part of my duties then.)

Go's statement comes a day after he was mentioned in the affidavit of former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager Royina Garma and said that Duterte wanted to implement a Davao model of the war on drugs on a national scale. 

Garma said that this system involves rewards, including price money that ranged from P20,000 to P1 million.

'Malicous'

Go, meanwhile, described Garma's claims as "unsubstantiated."

"The Affidavit and statements of Col. Garma during the recent Quadcomm hearing are clear diversionary tactics to muddle the true issue she is facing – her participation in an alleged murder plot," Go said.

"Malicious and unsubstantiated statements should have no place in any credible investigation," added Go. 

He also urged the Senate to conduct its own "impartial investigation" on the matter. 

"Palagi kong sinasabi, karapatan ng taumbayan na malaman ang katotohanan. Doon lang sana tayo sa totoo at tama. Kilala n’yo po ako. Mas gusto kong magtrabaho at magserbisyo lamang sa kapwa ko Pilipino pero kung sariling pangalan ko na ang nadudungisan, hindi ako papayag dyan," said Go. 

(As I always say, the people have the right to know the truth. We should only be for the truth and what is right. You know me. I prefer to work and serve my fellow Filipinos but if my own name is tarnished, I will not allow that.)

—Jamil Santos/ VAL, GMA Integrated News