Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has underscored the need to continue the government’s fight against illegal drugs as he cited the gains made by the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte in weeding out the drug menace.
Go said other societal ills such as criminality and corruption, may also be addressed if the fight against illegal drugs were sustained.
He also cited Duterte’s firm commitment to fight illegal drugs during his presidency and even as mayor of Davao City.
“Former president Rodrigo Duterte was passionate in the fight against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption,” Go said.
The senator noted that Duterte’s anti-drug war has contributed to the decrease in the country’s crime rate.
As reported by the Philippine National Police, the crime rate in the country drastically dipped by 73.76 percent from the start of the Duterte Administration in 2016 until 2021.
Earlier, Go urged the leadership of the Philippine National Police and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to continue maintaining discipline among the nation’s police force in light ofreports that some police officers involved in illegal drugs have reappeared.
However, Go said that despite the actions of a few dishonest police officers, there are more trustworthy officers who perform their duties with honesty and integrity.
Meanwhile, Go reaffirmed his call for a more holistic approach to combat illegal drugs in the country and aid drug abuse victims in getting back on their feet through improved government rehabilitation programs.
As part of this initiative, the senator filed Senate Bill No. 428 which seeks to establish a Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in every province throughout the country.
Through the proposed measure, the centers will provide care, treatment, and accommodation to drug dependents.
These drug rehabilitation centers will also offer after-care, follow-up and social reintegration services to assist their patients in adjusting to community life after their release.
“Apart from the fight for the nation’s safety and security against the menace of illegal drugs, attention must be directed towards the rehabilitation and recovery of its victims,” Go underscored.
“As we continue to intensify our campaign against corruption, criminality and illegal drugs, efforts to protect the welfare of the victims must be also equally prioritized. Through the establishment of Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers, we can intensify our efforts in helping our fellow Filipinos take back their lives from the dark grip of dangerous drugs,” he added.
The Commission on Human Rights previously expressed its support to the senator’s initiative of establishing a drug rehabilitation center in every province.
“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,” CHR said.
The CHR also mentioned that it is eager to work with Go to ensure that the latter’s proposed measure is in line with international human rights standards.
Go then reaffirmed the shared goal of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to eradicate illegal drugs while putting an emphasis on rehabilitation initiatives, highlighting how the spread of illegal drugs has posed a serious threat to the lives and safety of Filipinos as well as to the peace and order of the country.
Marcos previously stated that he will continue the efforts of former president Duterte’s administration in terms of law enforcement, albeit in a “more focused away.”
In addition, Marcos emphasized that the second component of a holistic approach is a treatment for drug addicts.