Go, Aguirre Strongly Deny ICC Drug War Allegations

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go and former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II have vehemently denied allegations linking them to former President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial drug war, following revelations from the International Criminal Court.

The ICC's Office of the Prosecutor named both officials, along with Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa and five others, as part of the "hierarchy" that orchestrated the anti-drug campaign that claimed thousands of lives, predominantly among poor Filipinos.

Go Disputes 'Unfounded' Claims

"I dispute these allegations, which are entirely unfounded, one-sided, unfair and bear no relation to the reality of my roles and responsibilities," Go stated, referring to his service as Special Assistant to the President from 2016 to 2018.

The senator emphasized that he never held authority over the Presidential Management Staff, contrary to ICC claims. He maintained that his service was conducted "in accordance with the laws of man and the laws of God" to help fellow Filipinos, particularly the poor.

"I will not allow these baseless accusations to distract me from my responsibilities as a duly elected Senator," Go declared, reaffirming his commitment to serving vulnerable Filipinos.

Aguirre: 'I Did Nothing Wrong'

Former Justice Secretary Aguirre categorically denied involvement in crimes against humanity charges, stating simply: "I did nothing wrong."

While acknowledging he served as counsel for Duterte and suspected Davao Death Squad members in 2009, Aguirre defended this as legitimate legal practice. "I was just exercising my profession as a lawyer," he explained, noting the Philippines wasn't an ICC member then.

Aguirre highlighted his efforts as Justice Secretary to seek justice for drug war victims, bringing families of Kian Delos Santos, Carlo Arnais, and Kulot de Guzman to meet President Duterte. "After the meeting, the policemen involved in their killings were all tried and convicted," he noted.

Padilla's Emotional Response

Senator Robinhood Padilla, a Duterte ally, revealed his emotional reaction to the ICC disclosure. "Ako po'y naiyak dito. Ako po'y na-depress dito," he shared in a radio interview, expressing concern about being isolated if his colleagues face arrest.

Padilla reached out to both senators offering assistance and consulted with Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano about the minority bloc's response.

ICC's Expanded List

The ICC document identifies eight individuals who allegedly wielded "de facto authority" over the drug war's implementation, including former police chiefs Vicente Danao Jr., Isidro Lapeña, Oscar Albayalde, Camilo Cascolan, and former NBI chief Dante Gierran.

Senator dela Rosa, who directed the anti-drug campaign as Duterte's first PNP chief, has remained silent and reportedly gone into hiding since November 2025 following arrest warrant reports.

Padilla appealed for government assertion of national sovereignty, arguing that fellow Filipinos should not face trial in foreign courts.