Bong Go denies reward system in drug war campaign

Sen. Bong Go addressed the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee on Monday, denying allegations of a "reward system" that allegedly incentivized violence in former president Rodrigo Duterte's crackdown on illegal drugs.

- By CECILLE SUERTE FELIPE

Go emphasized that no such system existed under Duterte's orders, underscoring that the administration's approach was guided by structured oversight, accountability and strict adherence to the law.

He firmly stated that Duterte's anti-drug stance focused on deterrence rather than incentivized harm.

He further explained that Duterte's warnings to rogue officers or "ninja cops" served as a means of intimidation to discourage misconduct, not as promises of reward for aggressive actions.

Duterte previously remarked that the system is unnecessary, saying the best reward a top-performing cop can get is a personal visit from him and asking them to eat in a restaurant or give monetary needs for the police's loved ones, especially if the relative has a grave illness.

Go also clarified that he did not handle financial issues when he was still the special assistant to the president. His scope is only in the administrative and logistical aspects of the office.

He also shared the protocols for handling classified information within the executive branch, noting that sensitive reports were restricted to President Duterte's review.