MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go has expressed confidence in his innocence following reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has allegedly issued an arrest warrant against him, stressing that he has not violated any law and has merely carried out his duties in accordance with the law and his responsibilities as a public servant.
In a statement issued to The Manila Times, Go said he was placing his trust in God amid the controversy and remained firm in his belief that he has committed no wrongdoing.
“I leave everything to God. In my entire life, I have never violated any human law or God's law,” said Go in Filipino.
The senator reiterated that he has always acted within the bounds of the law and has nothing to hide.
“I repeat that I have not violated any law. That is why I am here, and I am just doing my job,” he added.
Go also denied having any involvement in police operations or law enforcement activities, emphasizing that such matters were never part of his official functions.
“Police matters have never been part of my mandate. I hope and pray that the issue regarding the alleged ICC warrant against me will not be politicized.
Please count on me to continue serving, because that is what our fellow Filipinos need right now.
I will not waste the trust given to me by 27 million Filipinos,” he said.
The reported warrant is linked to the ICC’s continuing investigation into alleged crimes against humanity connected to the Philippine government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
The ICC has been examining allegations of extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations allegedly committed during anti-drug operations conducted from 2011 to 2019.
Go, a longtime aide and former special assistant to president Duterte before becoming a senator, has repeatedly denied allegations linking him to any unlawful activities associated with the anti-drug campaign.
As of posting time, government authorities had yet to issue an official statement regarding the reported warrant. Legal experts have noted that questions surrounding the ICC’s jurisdiction in the Philippines continue to be the subject of legal and political debate following the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019.
The senator maintained that he remained focused on his legislative duties and public service commitments despite the issue, expressing faith that the truth will ultimately prevail.
“I just did my job according to the law,” Go reiterated.
Further developments are expected as authorities and legal representatives respond to the reported ICC action.
