The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has found “renewed hope” in the fight against illegal drugs with the government’s “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” (BIDA) program.
But the CHR pointed out that even with the new program centered on rehabilitation and protection of human rights, “our call to investigate and seek accountability continues for all alleged killings and human rights violations, including those linked to the past drug campaign."
"The CHR has always advocated for a holistic, multi-sectoral, and human rights-based approach in genuinely tackling the root causes of the drug problem in the country," it said in a statement.
It said it acknowledged the expression of commitment of Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” C. Abalos Jr. of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to implement the new campaign “within the framework of the law and with respect for human rights and with focus on rehabilitation and socio-economic development.”
It noted that the government’s new approach, through the DILG, captures the principle of restorative justice, and it will help improve the physical, psychological, and social capability of persons who use drugs.
In doing so, the DILG is helping reduce their propensity to resort to drugs in coping with problems and life challenges, it said.
Under the BIDA program, the government will rally the cooperation of local governments, national government agencies, and other sectors.
Apart from the drug enforcement agencies -- such as the Philippine National Police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and National Bureau of Investigation -- the Department of Social Welfare and Development is also expected to help in the rehabilitation interventions.
For its part, the Department of Trade and Industry will help in implementing livelihood programs, while the Department of Labor and Employment will assist in finding job opportunities.
"CHR hopes that the DILG commitment will similarly include the adoption of our previous recommendation on drug treatment and recovery. Specifically, we cite the 2015 consensus in the East and Southeast Asia Region, alongside the joint statements from the United Nations in March 2012 and June 2020, which call for investment in voluntary community-based approaches," the CHR said.
It said the 2015 consensus means individuals who use drugs should give full consent and voluntarily agree to the rehabilitation program instead of getting admitted to compulsory or mandatory treatment centers.
The CHR likewise stressed the need for police personnel who will be assigned to BIDA to be retrained on rights-based adherence towards drug use in order to avoid any form of abuse and rehabilitation.
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