PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has expressed his continued admiration for the accomplishments of former president Rodrigo Duterte while also expressing his full support and commendation for the current administration’s efforts to continue building on these gains towards providing a more comfortable life for all.

In a online interview on Sunday, November 13, Go said that the fact that Pres. Duterte finished his term with excellent ratings is evidence of the positive impact he has had on the lives of Filipinos, in particular with regard to the fight against criminality, illegal drugs, and corruption in the country.

“Ako naman po ay natutuwa na maging parte ng kanyang administrasyon. Alam n’yo, nakakawala ng pagod dahil sa ginawa niya para sa ating mga kababayan. Ang sakripisyo niya para po ito sa kinabukasan ng ating mga anak, lalung lalo na po ang kampanya laban sa kriminalidad, iligal na droga, at korapsyon sa gobyerno,” said Go.

“Ginawa niya po ang lahat at siguro ang taumbayan na po ang makakapaghusga na ganoon na lang po ang trust rating at paniniwala sa kanya, 80 to 90 percent no’ng bumaba siya. Kakaiba po ‘yun, ngayon ka lang makakakita ng bumabang presidente na ganoon po kataas ang approval at trust rating. Nakakatuwa dahil nagbunga din ang kanyang ginawa,” he added.

Based on a survey conducted by Social Weather Station between June 26 and 29, a day before Duterte's six-year term ended, 88% of respondents said they were pleased with his performance as president, giving him a net satisfaction rating of +81 (excellent).

Go continued by expressing his full support and commendation for the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. as they continue to build on these achievements and further enhance the fight against the social ills of criminality, illegal drugs, and corruption.

“Sana po ay maipagpapatuloy po ito ng present administration, ipagpatuloy po ang mga nasimulan. Iyon naman po ang aming parating hinahangad noon pa, maipagpatuloy po ang inumpisahan at ‘wag pong masayang at marami pong Pilipino ‘yung gustong mamuhay nang tahimik na makauwi sa kanilang mga tahanan nang hindi nababastos, hindi nasasaktan,” he said.

“Iyon po sana ang pagtuunan po natin ng pansin, ang mga kababayan natin na magkaroon po ng peace of mind na umuwi sa kanilang mga pamamahay,” he added.

According to Go, ordinary Filipinos are the ones who are able to see and feel the positive impact brought about by the former government. He said it is only right and proper for Filipinos to decide for themselves whether or not Duterte has kept his promise.

“Ang Pilipino na po ang maghusga. Importante naman po ang mamamayang Pilipino para sa amin ni Pangulong Durterte kasi sila ang bumoto, sila ang pumili at ginawa ito ni pangulong Duterte para sa kanila,” said Go.

“Wala hong pakialam si pangulong Duterte sa mga international media. Maaaring siguro mamulat sila sa katotohanan na kahit anong gawin nila ay gano’n pa rin ang pagtingin ng mga kababayan natin dahil alam mo kapag maganda ang ginawa mo para sa bayan, talagang sasang-ayon at sasang-ayon. Boses po ng ating mga kababayan ang mas binibigyan po ng halaga ni pangulong Duterte,” he added.

Amid insistence of the International Criminal Court to probe into killings during the government's crackdown on drugs, Go reiterated that the court has no business interfering in the Philippines’ domestic affairs.

Go stressed that the independent judicial system in the country is working, eliminating the need for foreign courts to meddle in the country’s internal affairs.

“Ako po, hindi po ako sang-ayon diyan na dadalhin doon sa ibang bansa. Mayroon naman tayong judicial system dito na may tiwala naman tayo. Sabi nga niya kung ikukulong siya, dito sa ating bansa, dito sa local court natin. Dito ‘yung pinag-uusapan natin eh, ‘di kung may kaso man dapat dito siya managot,” he said.

When asked about how Duterte reacts whenever it is said that he is the "best president the Philippines has ever had," Go said that they were simply fulfilling their duties as public servants to the best of their abilities.

“Syempre po, nakakataba sa puso, halos lahat na kasalubong biglang yumayakap sa kanya, ‘you’re the best president ever, salamat, salamat.’ Walang katapusang salamat sa kanya. Natutuwa ako dahil, on his part, kahit tapos na ang kanyang termino, matanda na siya, ay nagbunga po ang kanyang trabaho at sakripisyo n’ya para sa mga kababayan natin,” said Go.

“Sa mga kababayan na nakikinig, kami po ay public servant ninyo. Inihalal n’yo kami. Huwag po kayong magpasalamat sa amin. Kami po ang magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan n’yo po kami ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo po sa inyo, kaya ginagawa po namin ang lahat para sa ating mga kababayan. Magseserbisyo po kami sa inyo,” he added. (OSBG)