MANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte wants free elections, under which everyone can vote and run for public office, former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go said.
In an interview with reporters at the 2018 National Anti-Drug Abuse Council Performance Award on Friday held at the Manila Hotel, Go said the President hates the abuses and political terrorism being committed by local government officials.
"This is democracy para kay Pangulong (for President) Duterte. Bigyan po natin ng pagkakataon lahat na bumoto, lahat ng kandidato tumakbo at makakapagkampanya freely na walang takot. Ayaw ng Pangulong Duterte ng abuso, even nung mayor pa siya sa Davao City. Nag-o-order nga siya sa police na dapat neutral sila at ang militar walang kinikilingan (Let us give everyone a chance to vote, all candidates to run and campaign freely without any fear. President Duterte does not like abuse, even when he was still mayor of Davao City. He even ordered the police to be neutral and the military to not take sides)," said Go, who is gunning for a Senate seat in the 2019 polls.
Reacting to questions on the case of Iloilo 1st District Rep. Richard Garin and Guimbal, Iloilo Mayor Oscar Garin, who allegedly mauled a police officer, Go echoed Duterte's sentiments of accountability for those responsible.
"Kung sino po yung may kasalanan ay mananagot (Whoever is responsible will be made accountable)," he said.
Go said investigations are also ongoing to identify those behind the slay of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, who was running for mayor of Daraga, Albay.
Duterte earlier said that terror should not be committed, regardless of whether the assailant is a government official or a plain citizen. (PNA)
