Rehab o bala?: The issue of human rights in the drug programs of the City of Manila.

Abstract

Arrests and convictions of illegal drug lords and users are only the start of a step towards a solution to the illegal drug trade crisis. Drug rehabilitation, specifically the processes and the approaches involved in it, is an important element in solving this crisis. This is a step that must be given adequate attention. Now that there is a strong thrust to combat illegal drugs in the country, it is timely to open the doors for studies on drug rehabilitation programs in the country. The research would like to study the subsequent deprivation of other human rights rooted in the denial of access for a drug rehabilitation program. The study would conduct the study particularly in the City of Manila (perceived to lack an active drug rehabilitation program). The research also aims to highlight the lack of focus of the local government of Manila that results to the inadequacy or even absence of anti-drug programs initiated solely by the local government. In addition, it would also try to provide concerned governmental agencies with a catalyst for a more practical discussion on how the problem on drug rehabilitation programs can be viewed. This particular study would also like to address the question on why the City of Manila which is considered the seat of power in the country, lacks focus on this important issue.