In an interview on September 15 after attending the launch of the 159th Malasakit Center in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go bared his proposed three-pronged strategy to combat the country’s drug problem, emphasizing the roles of law enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention.
The first approach focuses on empowering those in charge of law enforcement, while ensuring they earn the trust of the people they are mandated to protect in the campaign against illegal drugs. “Dito papasok ang maayos na kapulisan and other law enforcement agencies,” said Go.
He stressed the importance of having a competent and corruption-free police force and other law enforcement agencies to effectively combat drug syndicates.
Additionally, Go has filed Senate Bill No. 422, which aims to provide free legal assistance to the country’s uniformed personnel, particularly those who have been wrongfully accused.
The second approach aims at rehabilitating drug users. “Karamihan po sa kanila ay biktima lang po. And I also filed a bill which aims to institutionalize a technical vocational education and livelihood program specifically for rehabilitated drug dependents,” Go explained.
Go has proposed Senate Bill No. 428, which aims to establish Drug Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers in every province nationwide. Additionally, SBN 2115 has been filed by the senator to institutionalize a technical-vocational education and training (TVET) and livelihood program designed specifically for rehabilitated drug dependents.
The third approach centers on prevention, particularly among the youth. “Third is prevention, ine-engganyo po natin ang kabataan to get into sports. Isang paraan po yun na ilayo sila sa drugs. Get into sports, stay away from drugs,” Go said.
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, Go is advocating for sports-related programs and infrastructure as a means to divert the youth from the lure of addiction and criminality.
