help save country from drugs, Go to youth

Former special assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go has urged the youth to avoid illegal drugs as he lauded members of Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo (KKDAT) for their active participation in nation-building.

“The KKDAT program will pave the way for your voices to be heard so we can effectively address the country’s problems. I salute you for having the desire to be a part of the fight for change,” Go said in Filipino during a KKDAT program in Davao City yesterday.

KKDAT is a program where the youth engage in dialogues that help them gain more understanding about the effects of terrorism, violent extremism and the abuse of illegal substances.

Upon arrival in Manila on the same day, Go reminded the members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA) in Navotas to stay away from illegal drugs, saying it will not bring them any good.

He also visited fire victims in Tangos North.

“Keep in mind that everything you worked for will be in vain because of illegal drug use. Nothing good will come of it,” Go told members of TODA, also in Filipino.

During the visit, a TODA member approached Go and thanked him and President Duterte for his new life away from drugs.

The man said if it was not for Go and Duterte, he would not realize that life is beautiful without illegal drugs.

The TODA member admitted that he used to be a drug addict but has changed because of Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs.

Go reminded the people to stay away from illegal drugs as he cited how unfortunate it is for a child to lose a family member because of the ill effects of these dangerous substances. “It destroys your brains, your life and your family.”

After Navotas, Go went to the Libreng Concert Para sa Kabataan ng Mandaluyong at the Rizal Techonological University.

In his speech, he encouraged the youth to focus on sports instead of drugs.

He said the President’s fight against illegal drugs will not stop until the end of his term and even beyond.

Go said there is still hope for change as there are rehabilitation centers for those who wish to have a second chance.

He said if elected, among his priorities in the Senate would be to review existing legislative measures to strengthen the fight against the illegal drug trade.

This includes the possibility of amending the controversial Juvenile Justice Act, which the President has repeatedly said is being abused by drug syndicates to recruit minors into their ranks.

Go said there is a need to revisit the law because it has been exploited by syndicates, especially the provision on age wherein minors are exempted from criminal liability.

As a private citizen, Go committed to continue serving the President and the public not as special assistant to the president, but as Special Assistant to the People, bringing help and assistance to every Filipino in need.

Go and his friends brought food and uniforms for fireaffected children and workers in Navotas.

He committed to ask local agencies to provide assistance to the victims and to be the people’s bridge to the government.