SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, called for a comprehensive review of the country’s current anti-drug policies, stressing the importance of both strengthened law enforcement and expanded rehabilitation efforts.
In a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Monday, October 28, Go highlighted the urgency of a “whole-of-government, whole-of-nation approach” to address the drug crisis, underscoring that drug addiction is not only a crime but also a health issue requiring immediate intervention and compassionate solutions.
The senator advocated for policies that both protect and empower the police force, starting with adequate budget allocations, support, while upholding their integrity.
“Maliban sa pag-gawa ng batas, kailangan talaga ay taasan ang budget ng mga pulis para wala silang rason na hindi nila magampanan ang trabaho nila. Diba maalala niyo po, noong 2018 inuna nating idoble ang sahod ng pulis sa entry position nila, kasama na po dyan ang mga uniformed personnel,” he emphasized.
“Kailangan talaga nila ng suporta. Kulang talaga ang kanilang pondo. Paano naman sila makakagalaw kung abonado pa sila?” he asked, stressing that without sufficient operational funds, police officers may find themselves stretched too thin.
To address these gaps, Go highlighted his advocacy for Senate Bill No. 422, which seeks to provide free legal assistance to uniformed personnel facing charges related to their official duties. This measure, he explained, would ensure that police officers have the resources they need to perform their roles effectively and with peace of mind, knowing that they have legal protection when acting within their duties.
He also referenced former President Rodrigo Duterte’s strong stance against corrupt officers, including the so-called “ninja cops” involved in illegal drug trades.
“Let me reiterate, my fellow legislators: I was once quoted about PRRD’s anger towards these ninja cops. Dahil full support nga po siya sa mga pulis, tapos meron pang mga ninja cops. Nag-imbestiga tayo dito mismo sa Senado,” he added, underscoring the importance of protecting the integrity of the police force while ensuring accountability.
Go also pointed out the need for a balanced approach that treats drug dependents as victims and individuals in need of help.
“As we know, the drug menace is also a health issue. Drug dependents should be treated as victims in dire need of medical, psychological, and spiritual help, with a chance of being successfully reintegrated into society as healthy and productive citizens,” he explained, likening drug dependency to a societal illness that requires a treatment-centered approach.
Go recounted the establishment of Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers early in Duterte’s administration, supported by various members of the Senate.
“Meron pong mga rehabilitation centers na ipinatayo umpisa pa lang po ng administrasyon ni dating Pangulong Duterte. Kasama na po dyan ang sa Bukidnon, malaking tulong po si Senator Migz Zubiri dyan, Nueva Ecija, and Las Piñas,” Go noted.
Despite these efforts, he acknowledged that some centers, such as the one in Nueva Ecija, remain underutilized, with only half of the facility’s capacity being occupied, due to the long process for surrenderers to obtain a commitment order from the court as a requirement to be treated in a drug rehabilitation facility.
A major hurdle in the country’s rehabilitation system, Go explained, is the complex admission process for drug dependents seeking help.
“Apart from the accessibility of facilities, ito po’y napaka-importante. Sana po’y magtulungan tayo dito,” he urged, calling for cooperation to enhance the effectiveness of these centers.
Currently, individuals seeking rehabilitation need a commitment order from the court to enter these centers, a barrier that discourages many from seeking help. This lengthy procedure, he warned, often results in drug users attempting to heal without professional intervention, which rarely leads to successful recovery.
Go urged lawmakers to focus on simplifying admission requirements, noting that the time-sensitive nature of drug recovery necessitates a more efficient system.
As a legislator, Go outlined his commitment to refining existing drug policies and crafting possible laws tailored to contemporary needs. His legislative priorities include establishing more rehabilitation centers through SBN 428, which proposes Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers in every province.
Additionally, he has filed SBN 2115, aiming to provide vocational and livelihood programs to help rehabilitated drug dependents rebuild their lives.
Beyond rehabilitation, Go is pushing for preventive strategies aimed at young Filipinos, who are particularly vulnerable to drug use. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Youth, he emphasized the importance of equipping students with the knowledge to avoid vices, such as illegal drugs, from an early age.
“I also suggest crafting laws that would include in the school curriculum the knowledge and information necessary to prevent vices such as illegal drugs,” he stated, advocating for a proactive approach to combating drug addiction.
“Naniniwala po ako na isang health concern po na maaaring matugunan sa pamamagitan ng maayos na rehabilitation at maging sa pag-promote sa sports,” he added.
The senator’s message to young people was clear: avoid drugs by engaging in positive activities.
“Ini-engganyo ko talaga mga kabataan to, ‘get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit!’” he emphasized, connecting this message with his role as an author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports. The institution seeks to provide youth with pathways to engage in sports as a means of avoiding negative influences.
He proposed incorporating drug awareness programs within the school system as part of a larger educational strategy to address drug abuse. By instilling preventive values and offering guidance from a young age, Go believes that the government can curb the spread of drug addiction among the youth.
Go encouraged cooperation between both legislative chambers, underscoring that tackling the drug crisis requires solidarity among policymakers.
“I urge both Houses of Congress, magtulungan tayo po dito,” he said, appealing for joint legislative efforts to bring about meaningful change.
“I am committed to developing accessible rehabilitation centers for individuals facing drug addiction and I am more so dedicated to ensuring the protection of and respect for human rights,” he stated.
Follow SMNI News on Rumble