Sen. Bong Go has once again stressed the importance of establishing mandatory rehabilitation centers nationwide in a bid to eradicate illegal drugs in the country.
The lawmaker refiled Senate Bill No. 428 which shall establish a Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in every province throughout the country, highlighting the remarkable gains from the previous administration’s campaign against illegal drugs and its success in likewise addressing criminality and corruption.
“Huwag po natin kakalimutan ang nasimulan ni dating pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte na laban kontra droga. Kahit po may COVID-19, hindi po natin dapat tigilan bigyan ng pansin ang iba pang nakakasira sa ating bansa,” he appealed.
“Walang tigil po ang ating laban kontra korapsyon, kriminalidad, at iligal na droga. Balanse po ang approach natin diyan: Tapang at Malasakit. Habang patuloy ang ating pagpuksa sa mga drug pushers, hindi rin natin pinapabayaan ang mga drug users na nais na magbagong buhay,” Go explained.
To help victims of illegal drugs reintegrate into society, the centers will provide care, treatment, and accommodation to drug dependents.
They will also offer after-care, follow-up and social reintegration services to assist their patients in adjusting to community life after their release.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Human Rights Executive Director Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia expressed the agency’s support to the senator’s initiative of establishing a drug rehabilitation center in every province.
In a recent statement issued by CHR, de Guia echoed Go’s sentiments that substance abuse can adversely impact, not only the Filipino people, but the nation as a whole.
“We have since expressed support for a human rights-based approach to policies and initiatives that prioritize health, rehabilitation, and socioeconomic interventions for the treatment and recovery of persons who use drugs,” de Guia said.
Furthermore, de Guia recommended a more person-centered approach for more efficient drug treatment and recovery, saying, “We urge the creation of an enabling environment that will encourage people who use drugs to voluntarily seek treatment and support.”
De Guia then reaffirmed that CHR is eager to work with Senator Go to ensure that the latter’s proposed measure is in line with international human rights standards.