SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go called on his colleagues to support his Senate Bill 2115 which seeks to provide rehabilitated drug dependents the opportunity to reintegrate into society.

“Nakikita naman po sa datos na napakarami na po talaga ang nasira ang buhay nang dahil sa iligal na droga. Huwag po natin hayaan tuluyang masayang ang buhay ng mga drug dependents na patuloy na tumatalikod sa iligal na gawain,” Go said during the deliberations on the bill.

Citing the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002, the senator said that it is a policy of the State to provide effective mechanisms or measures to reintegrate into society individuals who have fallen victim to drug abuse through sustainable programs of treatment and rehabilitation.

“Kaagapay nito ay ang responsibilidad na tulungan at sagipin ang mga drug dependents na nabibiktima ng mga drug criminals at syndicates,” he said.

Emphasizing that drug addicts should be treated as victims in desperate need of medical, psychological, and spiritual assistance, he argued that the ultimate goal should be to reintegrate them back into society as healthy and productive citizens.

“Dapat bigyan po natin sila ng pagkakataong makapag-bagong buhay. These individuals should be given a chance to start anew,” Go said.

SBN 2115 aims to institutionalize technical and vocational education and training as well as a livelihood program specifically designed for rehabilitated drug dependents.

“Ako po ay naniniwala na sa bawat indibidwal na matutulungan natin, mas malapit nating makakamit ang isang mas ligtas at maunlad na lipunan,” Go said.