Go supports additional budget for Robredo-led drug war

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Christopher Go has expressed support for Vice President Leni Robredo’s request for an additional budget in the fight against drugs, which she now leads as co-chairperson of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-illegal Drugs (ICAD).

“I, as a legislator, fully support whatever is needed to help us achieve our objective of eliminating drugs,” Go said in Filipino.

He said support for the anti-drug campaign may even go up from 80 percent – based on surveys – to 90 percent or even 100 percent if there would be major breakthroughs in the campaign.

“We will help if it’s in the interest of the Filipino and if it would mean no more victims of drugs,” he added.

The senator, also a close aide of the President, said lawmakers aim to have the 2020 budget approved and signed by President Duterte before the year ends to avoid a reenactment.

“A reenacted budget is unacceptable; big losses for the government, billions of losses from a reenacted budget,” Go said.

“It’s also one of the causes of inflation during the first semester because there’s no government spending,” the senator said.

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

He said the President has not discussed the matter with the Cabinet. “I’m not authorized to speak on behalf of the executive, but as far as I know there’s still no plan to invite her. Maybe if drugs is on the agenda,” he said.

The Vice President accepted Duterte’s challenge for her to lead the drug war, purportedly to prevent further killings. Her supporters had warned her against accepting Duterte’s offer, saying it could just be a trap meant to sully her reputation.