Senator and vice-presidential aspirant Christopher “Bong” Go on Saturday October 30 supported proposals to drug test candidates running in the upcoming 2022 elections as a means of ensuring they are fit to discharge the duties of an office and set a good example to Filipinos they committed to serve.

“Kung ako ang tatanungin at kung ‘yan ang gusto ng taumbayan — anytime, anywhere ay willing naman ako magpa-drug test, (If asked and that is what the people want, I am willing to be tested anywhere, anytime),’’ Go said.

Go is chairman of the Senate Health committee. He is also serves as vice chairman of the Senate Public Order and Dangerous Drugs committee.

“Bagama’t hindi naman requirement sa batas ang drug testing ng mga kandidato, sang-ayon ako na voluntarily maipakita natin at malaman ng mga botante kung ‘fit for public service’ ang mga pinagpipilian nilang mamuno ng ating bansa (While drug testing is not a requirement, I agree to voluntarily undergo drug testing to show to voters who is ‘’fit for public service’’ to lead the country),’’ he continued.

Meanwhile, Go emphasized his full commitment to pursue and expand further the programs and positive change started by the Duterte administration.

Go emphasized that he is seeking the vice presidency in order for him to continue with the good programs of President Duterte.

“Una sa lahat, walang tigil dapat ang kampanya natin kontra iligal na droga, korapsyon, at kriminalidad (First of all, there should be no letup in the campaign against illegal drugs, corruption and criminality). Ang taumbayan na ang humusga kung mas ligtas ba ngayon ang mga anak nila at walang pangamba dahil sa mga kriminal at adik (Let the people judge whether their children are safe and have no fear for their lives from criminals and drug addicts),” he explained.

The senator from Davao lauded the accomplishments of the Duterte Administration's legacy projects and initiatives, notably its focus on peace and order, while emphasizing the need to sustain them in the years ahead.

In support of the Duterte Administration’s campaign against illegal drugs, Go filed Senate Bill No. 399 in 2019 which provides a more balanced and holistic approach to the drug problem by establishing a Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, under the supervision of the Department of Health (DOH), in every province across the country.

The said centers will offer treatment and care with a recovery-oriented focus and shall be primarily responsible for reintegrating recovering drug dependents into society.

The centers shall also encourage the formation of organizations composed of parents, guardians, and immediate relatives to enhance their participation in the rehabilitation of the drug dependents to address concurrent issues such as health and familial problems.

“In addition to the fight for the nation's safety and security against the menace of illegal drugs, we must also direct attention towards the recovery of its many victims. Drug dependents should be treated as victims in need of medical, psychological, and spiritual help,’’ he added.