CITING the importance of improving the mechanisms to protect the human rights of every Filipino, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go conveyed his support for the proposed budget of the Commission on Human Rights.

In his manifestation during a budget hearing held by the Senate Committee on Finance on Wednesday, September 28, Go acknowledged how the CHR has been diligently working to improve the human rights situation in the country.

The senator then urged the agency to further intensify its efforts and promote a more holistic approach that will ensure the protection of the human rights of every person, including victims of crimes caused by the perpetration of illegal drugs.

He noted, “We are very much aware that the past administration became a subject of many criticisms from the Commission on Human Rights. Wala naman pong problema yun, dahil trabaho ninyo po talaga. It is your mandate po. It is your agency’s task and it is your duty to fight for the human rights of every person.”

“But I also urge you to look into the rights of other people. Those who have been victimized by criminals. Karapatan rin ng mga Pilipino na mabuhay ng tahimik at mapayapa. Karapatan nila na hindi masayang at hindi manakaw ang kanilang pera, lalung-lalo na po yung mga karapatan ng mga Pilipino na gusto lang pong maglakad sa gabi na hindi nasasaktan,” he stressed.

Go likewise underscored the need to protect the rights of law enforcement officers who are putting their own lives at risk to protect their fellow Filipinos, saying, “Ito po ay karapatan rin po nila, tulad ng lahat ng Pilipino. Balansehin po natin lahat at maging pantay ang pag-tingin natin sa lahat. Lalung-lalo na po yung mga nasa gobyerno na ginagawa lang po ang kanilang trabaho, in line with the performance of their duties.”

Despite criticisms, former president Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs and criminality bore positive results as the Philippine National Police earlier reported that the crime rate in the country significantly decreased by 73.76% from 2016 to 2021.

Go then expressed that he will be an ally of the CHR as long as it continues its commitment to support victims of human rights violations.

“Ako naman po ay patuloy na susuporta sa hakbangin ng gobyerno na tutugon sa karapatan ng bawat mamamayang Pilipino. Basta’t walang dehado at lahat ay may pantay-pantay na pagkakakilanlan sa kanilang karapatan, kaisa niyo po ako rito. Gamitin ninyo lang po ang pondo ng taong bayan sa tama. Full support po ako,” assured Go.

“Unahin lang po natin yung karapatan ng tao, lalo na yung mga walang matakbuhan, yung mga hopeless and helpless nating mga kababayan. Full support po ako sa budget ng Commission on Human Rights,” he reiterated.

In line with his commitment to eradicate illegal drugs in the country, Go likewise expressed his gratitude towards CHR for supporting his Senate Bill No. 428 that seeks to establish mandatory Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in every province.

If passed into law, the centers will provide care, treatment, and accommodation to drug dependents. They will also offer after-care, follow-up and social reintegration services to assist their patients in adjusting to community life after release.

“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 Executive Director Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia remarked.

“We urge the creation of an enabling environment that will encourage people who use drugs to voluntarily seek treatment and support. We continue to hope for a humane, long-term, and sustainable policy shift in the drug campaign to truly address the complexity of the problem,” de Guia added.