Robredo’s decision a welcome development, says Go

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Wednesday stressed that Vice President Leni Robredo’s acceptance of co-heading the government’s war against drugs is a welcome development.

“We want her to succeed,” said Go in a statement.

To recall, President Rodrigo Duterte designated Robredo as co-chairperson of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) in a memorandum signed on 31 October – just days after Robredo said in an interview that the government’s campaign against drugs has not been effective.

Go said Robredo would be given a chance to deal with the drug problem the way she wants and clarified that the designation is not a trap, as claimed by some critics of the administration.

The senator also hopes that with Robredo’s contribution, more people will be satisfied with the administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign, but stressed the need to strengthen further the fight against illegal drugs in order to continue the success of the anti-drug campaign.

He added that he would also monitor the anti-drug operations under Robredo’s watch, especially the innocent lives that may become victims of drug-related crimes.

Robredo’s designation is effective until 30 June 2022, unless revoked early by the President.