Go supports proposals to reinstate death penalty

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos should be given enough time to continue the campaign against illegal drugs, including the possibility of reinstating the death penalty for drug traffickers and other heinous criminals, Sen. Bong Go said.

Go lauded Marcos for continuing former president Rodrigo Duterte’s fight against illegal drugs, one of the priority programs of the previous administration.

“I am happy because President Marcos mentioned the fight against illegal drugs. He has his own method and style in fighting illegal drugs,” said Go in Filipino. “And I have confidence in him, let’s give him enough time...”

He expressed belief that if authorities will not check the situation, the sale and use of illegal drugs will again become rampant and breed criminality and corruption in government.

Go emphasized the need to intensify efforts to fight these social ills by reiterating the link between drugs, crime and corruption.

“When you are on drugs, it can lead to corruption and criminality. Ordinary citizens cannot walk at night for fear of getting victimized by drug addicts. Criminals should be the ones afraid to walk at night, not the ordinary Filipino who just wants to live a quiet life and their children can go home without being hurt or molested,” he said.

Citing his continuing advocacy of promoting sports as a way to combat said social ills in the country, the senator then encouraged Filipinos to get into sports and stay away from drugs.

“We should give the youth other things to do. Remember that when you are into sports, your body is better, you are able to exercise, you are able to play, you are sweating... But with illegal drugs, your body is already damaged, your brain will be damaged,” he added.

At the same time, Go also expressed support for reimposition of the death penalty, especially for those involved in illegal drugs and plunder.

The vice chair of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs expressed his support for proposals to reinstate the death penalty for heinous crimes related to illegal drugs and plunder.

Go mentioned that he had earlier submitted a bill to reinstate the death penalty during the 18th Congress.

“When I became a senator, I also filed another version (of the death penalty). There are many versions of the death penalty, especially for illegal drugs,” said Go. “So, I agree with the death penalty on illegal drugs, it depends on the quantity… You know, when you become a victim of illegal drugs, it’s gone, you’re addicted. This drug becomes addictive and your fear will disappear.”

In previous interviews Go has expressed willingness to refile the death penalty measure. The senator emphasized that the reinstatement of death penalty is in line with Duterte’s crusade against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption. He added that the imposition of capital punishment can discourage criminal activities.

“There must be fear. One method is death penalty. Why should you be afraid of the death penalty if you are not guilty, if you obey the law. You have nothing to fear,” he said.