Bong Go expresses support for additional budget in the campaign against illegal drugs

Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go said on Wednesday, November 13, that he supports Vice President Leni Robredo's request for additional budget in the fight against drugs.

"Ako, as a legislator, sabi ko full support ako kung ano ang makatutulong. Basta ang hangarin ay masugpo ang droga," Go said. "Ngayon 82% ang sang-ayon sa War on Drugs. Malay mo maging 90%, 100%. Tutulong po kami. Basta interes ng Pilipino at wala nang dadagdag pa sa mga biktima ng droga."

The senator also said that they aim to have the 2020 budget approved and signed by President Rodrigo Duterte before the year ends to avoid its reenactment.

"Bago matapos ang taon, signing na dapat with the President. Ayaw na namin mangyari katulad last year. Mahirap ang reenacted budget. Laki ng losses sa gobyerno. Billions ang nawawala kapag reenacted. Isa din cause ito ng inflation during the first semester dahil walang government spending," the senator said.

Asked if the President plans to invite Robredo to future cabinet meetings, Go said that she could be invited once the need arises.

"Hindi pa sila nag-usap ng Pangulo at sa gabinete, wala pa akong naririnig. I'm not authorized to speak on behalf of the executive pero sa pagkakaalam ko, wala pang plano (na imbitahan siya). Maybe kapag pag-uusapan na ang droga," Go said.

Robredo accepted on November 6 the position of co-chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-illegal Drugs (ICAD) during a press conference. She submitted a letter to Malacañang, confirming her acceptance of the post.