MANILA, Philippines — Senator Christopher “Bong” Go defended the so-called legacy of former President Rodrigo Duterte amid the latter’s arrest, underscoring what he called the lasting impact of Duterte’s administration on public safety and crime reduction.

“Ang sambayanang Pilipino na po ang humusga kung nakakapaglakad ba sila sa gabi na walang takot sa daan,” Go remarked, attributing the perceived sense of security to Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign.

Go cited statistics from Duterte’s tenure, claiming that more than 55 percent of barangays nationwide were declared drug-free, facilitated by the seizure of P76 billion worth of illegal drugs. He also pointed to a reported 70 percent drop in crime during the first five years of Duterte’s presidency as proof of the campaign’s effectiveness.

“Bukambibig po ‘yan ng ating mga kababayan kung gaano sila kapanatag lumabas sa lansangan kahit na disoras ng gabi,” the senator said, suggesting that public sentiment validated the success of Duterte’s policies.

Despite Duterte facing possible legal troubles, including investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC), Go shifted focus to a more personal matter—the former president’s health.

“Ako naman po, ipinangako ko kay dating Pangulong Duterte na uunahin ko po ang kanyang kalusugan,” he said. 

Go, who served as Duterte’s closest aide before becoming a senator, reiterated the guidance he received from the former president.

“Lagi kong tinatandaan ang sinabi sa akin ni Tatay Digong: ‘Just do what is right. Unahin ang interes ng bayan, unahin ang kapwa Pilipino, at hinding-hindi ka magkakamali d’yan,’” he said.

While Duterte’s administration remains widely debated—especially with concerns about human rights violations and the drug war’s death toll—Go maintained that history, and the Filipino people, would ultimately determine his legacy.

“Ang pakiusap ko lang, keep calm, keep praying, at ipagdasal natin ang kanyang kalusugan,” Go said.

Duterte was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Tuesday morning following an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant related to alleged crimes against humanity during his administration’s war on drugs. 

Before the arrest, Duterte had been placed on Interpol’s Red Notice list.