TARLAC Governor Susan Yap said the provincial government will tap the state-owned Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) for the rehabilitation of more than 6,000 illegal drug users and peddlers.
Yap said at least P10 million is needed “just to have a reliable drug test” on the illegal drug dependents who surrendered to them this month. The test costs P1,200 per person.
“It will drain our coffers just for the test,” she added.
(left) and John Castriciones during the anti-dangerous drug summit in
Tarlac City.
“They may think that’s it after surrendering to us. We should do more programs to ensure their continuous rehabilitation,” said Yap.
The first-term governor said “drug using is considered a disease and we are tapping the government’s health insurance program to help us.”
Board Member Henry Cruz, Capas Mayor Rey Catacutan, Romy Rayanon,
Bamban Mayor Jon Feliciano and Third District Rep. Noel Villanueva.
Photos by Joey Pavia
Yap and his brother, former governor and Third District Rep. Victor “Vic” Yap, led a recent Anti-Drug Summit at the Tarlac Provincial Capitol. It was lauded by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ismael “Mike” Sueno, saying it’s the first anti-drug summit in the country spearheaded by a province.
Rep. Yap said he will focus on bills related to the rehabilitation of drug dependents.
“I agree with Gov. Susan Yap. Mas magaling talaga sa atin yan (She is better than me). We must tap PhilHealth,” said Yap, who prioritized health care services and employment when he was Tarlac governor for nine years beginning 2007.