The Akbayan Partylist recently made waves in Philippine politics by filing the "Kian Bill," a legislative proposal that seeks to address drug issues through a humane and health-centered lens. Officially titled the Public Health Approach to Drug Use Act, the bill represents a sharp pivot from the Duterte administration's bloody war on drugs, which claimed the lives of more than 30,000 people, including innocent youth like Kian delos Santos. Akbayan Representative Perci Cendaña, the youngest member of Congress and an outspoken advocate for human rights, leads this charge to ensure that no more lives are lost to unjust policies.
The Legacy of Kian delos Santos
The bill derives its name from Kian delos Santos, a 17-year-old student whose tragic death in 2017 during a police anti-drug operation sparked national outrage. His haunting last words, "Tama na! May exam pa po ako!" symbolized the needless violence inflicted upon the innocent under the guise of law enforcement. The Kian Bill seeks to honor his memory by introducing robust measures to protect citizens' rights and shift the government's approach from punitive to rehabilitative.
“This is a step toward justice for Kian and the countless other victims of extrajudicial killings (EJKs),” said Rep. Cendaña during the bill's introduction. He emphasized that the bill aims to ban abusive practices like Tokhang, torture, and unlawful police interference while establishing community-based health and social support programs for those struggling with drug dependency.
A Health-Centered Approach
The Kian Bill, supported in the Senate by Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros, envisions a public health framework for drug intervention. Key provisions include:
- Community-Based Rehabilitation Programs: Accessible treatment centers with medical and psychosocial support for individuals seeking help.
- Educational Initiatives: Raising awareness about human rights and the availability of services for affected communities.
- Anti-EJK Safeguards: Strict prohibitions against extrajudicial killings, unlawful arrests, and other human rights violations.
“This bill isn’t just about addressing drug use; it’s about healing our communities and ending the cycle of violence,” Rep. Cendaña stressed.
Perci Cendaña: Champion for Progress
Rep. Perci Cendaña's journey into public service is a testament to resilience and progressive leadership. As a proud LGBTQ+ advocate, he has broken barriers, becoming the first openly gay president of the UP Student Council in 1996 and leading the first Pride March at the University of the Philippines. His experiences with discrimination and inequality have shaped his commitment to justice and human rights.
Before entering Congress, Cendaña chaired the National Youth Commission under President Benigno Aquino III, championing programs to uplift Filipino youth. Now, as a legislator, he continues to advocate for meaningful reforms, including laws addressing contractual labor, teen pregnancy, and government accessibility for marginalized groups.
Beyond the Kian Bill
Akbayan’s legislative priorities extend beyond drug policy. Among its notable proposals:
- Mindful Parking Act (House Bill 11076): Penalizes individuals reserving public parking spaces without a vehicle, promoting fairness and order.
- Bawal Judgemental Bill (House Bill 11078): Prohibits strict dress codes in government offices, ensuring that frontline services are accessible to all citizens, regardless of socioeconomic status.
- Support for the SOGIESC Equality Bill: Advocates for the protection of LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination and violence.
Accountability and Justice
Akbayan also continues its push for accountability for past abuses. Cendaña has been vocal in calling for former President Rodrigo Duterte and his allies to answer for the atrocities of the drug war. “Justice is relentless,” he declared, challenging Duterte’s recent bravado before the International Criminal Court (ICC). Cendaña and his colleagues vow to hold those responsible for EJKs accountable, ensuring that no one is above the law.
A Call for a Brighter Future
As the Philippines prepares for upcoming elections, Cendaña urges citizens to vote wisely, emphasizing the need for leaders who prioritize justice, equality, and genuine public service. “The fight doesn’t end with passing bills; it continues with educating our people and empowering communities to demand better governance,” he stated.
The Kian Bill embodies this vision—a step toward a society where compassion, accountability, and progress replace fear, violence, and impunity.
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