Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has expressed his support for proposals to reinstate the death penalty for heinous crimes related to illegal drugs and plunder, saying that he had earlier submitted a bill to reinstate the death penalty during the 18th Congress.
The senator serves as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs.
“I fully support the death penalty on drugs, but it will still dependent on quantity,” said the senator.
Previously, Go has expressed his willingness to refile the death penalty measure. The senator emphasized that the reinstatement of the death penalty is in line with former president Rodrigo Duterte’s crusade against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption.
He added that the imposition of capital punishment can discourage criminal activities.
Meanwhile, the senator lauded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for continuing former President Duterte’s fight against illegal drugs.
Go also emphasized the need to intensify efforts to fight these social ills by reiterating the link between the issues of drugs, crime and corruption.
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.
“Get into sports, stay away from drugs,” Go said.
To recall, the senator introduced SBN 423 or his proposed Philippine National Games Act of 2022 to ensure a more inclusive system of promoting promising Filipino athletes who possess potential in every field of sports and giving them an equal opportunity of becoming future contenders in international sporting competitions to cement the country’s status as a “Sports Powerhouse in Asia.”
Meanwhile, the senator also filed Senate Bill 428 which seeks to establish a drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation center in every province, under the supervision of the Department of Health.
Under the proposed measure, the center shall provide care, treatment and accommodation to drug dependents; enhance their physical, psychological and social capability to cope with common problems; and provide after-care, follow-up and social reintegration services, among others.
“Drug addicts should be treated as victims in desperate need of medical, psychological, and spiritual assistance, with the goal of reintegrating back into society as healthy and productive citizens,” Go said.