Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday, November 13, said he fully supports Vice President Leni Robredo’s request for additional funds in the fight against illegal drugs.
“I, as a legislator, fully support whatever is needed to help us achieve our objective of eliminating drugs,” he said.
According to the senator, 82% of Filipinos support the drug war, and that the support could rise to 90% or even 100% if there would be major breakthroughs in the campaign.
“Now, 82% [of Filipinos] support the war on drugs. It could rise to 90 percent, 100%. We will help if it is for the interest of Filipinos and to ensure that there will be no additional victims of drugs,” Go said.
He also said that lawmakers are aiming to have the 2020 budget approved and signed by President Rodrigo Duterte before the year ends to avoid a reenactment.
“The budget should be signed before the year ends. A reenacted budget is unacceptable; big losses for the government, billions of losses from a reenacted budget,” he said.
“It’s also one of the causes of inflation during the first semester because there’s no government spending,” he added.
In response to the question about Robredo being invited to future Cabinet meetings, Go said that Duterte hasn’t talked to Robredo yet, but she could be invited if the need arises.
“The president has not talked to her,” he said.
“I am not authorized to speak on behalf of the executive, but what I know is there’s no plan yet to invite her. Maybe if drugs is on the agenda,” Go added.
Earlier this month, Robredo accepted Duterte’s offer for the position of co-chairman of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-illegal Drugs despite her supporters’ warnings that Duterte’s offer could just be a trap meant to tarnish her reputation.
