A proposed ordinance, if and when enacted, would institutionalize a comprehensive city-wide anti-drug program in Baguio City.
Authored by Councilor Leandro Yangot Jr., the proposed measure would provide substance abuse victims an opportunity to receive rehabilitation interventions and integrate into society.
According to Yangot, the use of illegal drugs remains an ongoing longstanding problem, threatening peace and order in communities nationwide, despite previous efforts of law enforcement agencies to address it.
“The increasing use of illegal drugs has been a huge factor contributing to the occurrence of heinous crimes, adversely affecting families and disturbing peace and harmony in communities. Barangay leaders are in the best position to carry out the difficult work of coordinating with the police and ferreting out drug users, pushers, and traffickers,” he stated.
In his proposal, Yangot mentioned Section 51 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 or Republic Act No. 9165 which mandates the mandatory inclusion of the local annual budget of an appropriation for programs such as preventive or educational programs and treatment of drug dependent patients.
Under the ordinance, a Baguio City Student Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BSADAC) will be created in tertiary level schools to monitor potential drug-related activities in their campuses and conduct awareness and preventive campaigns against illegal drugs. Any presence of drug-related activity in schools must be reported by BSADAC to authorities.
Similar initiatives must also be implemented in every barangay with intensified collaborative efforts among the barangay officials, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other concerned government agencies.
Screening and assessment of voluntary surrenderees will be put into place pursuant to Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 Series of 2016. The Baguio City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BCADAC) will be formed by virtue of this ordinance. The BCADAC is tasked to document surrenderees and transmit the records to the DDB and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
An aftercare program will also be put in place for monitoring purposes on the drug dependents’ progress in their rehabilitation and community integration. They may undergo psychological interventions to prevent relapse. Reconfinement may be recommended if the drug abuse patient requires further treatment.
The proposed ordinance, if enacted, would also allow for the prosecution of a drug dependent who is not rehabilitated after the second commitment to the rehabilitation center. Should a drug dependent escape from the center, they may submit themselves for recommitment within one week, otherwise, the BCADAC may apply to the court for a recommitment order. In case of subsequent recommitment, the drug dependent will be charged for violating Section 15 of RA. 9165 either upon the order of the BCADAC or the court.
A one-stop shop will be created to assess and evaluate every drug dependent in order to determine the degree of their drug dependence whether their condition requires outpatient rehabilitation or confinement in a drug rehabilitation center.
The ordinance contains provisions for the assessment and treatment of in-patients, establishment of a community-based wellness program for outpatients, promotion of drug-free workplaces, and mandatory drug test policies. It also specifies a comprehensive drug rehabilitation process, the duties of the BCADAC Legal Team, and police officers.
The proposed ordinance has been approved on first reading and referred to the Committee on Health and Sanitation, Ecology, and Environmental Protection for review. Baguio City – Sangguniang Panlungsod
