Manila: A party-list lawmaker on Monday filed a bill proposing a rights-based approach and public health-centered drug policy in the country. Akbayan Party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña introduced House Bill 11004, also known as the proposed Public Health Approach to Drug Use Act, which offers "humane solutions" to the nation's drug problem. Cendaña described the measure, dubbed the "Kian Bill," as a significant shift from the previous administration's war on drugs. According to Philippines News Agency, the bill is named after Kian delos Santos, a 17-year-old killed by police in 2017 during the Duterte administration's war on drugs. Cendaña emphasized that the Kian Bill aims to prevent the deaths of more innocent individuals by offering appropriate treatment and direct care for drug users, rather than resorting to violence and bullets. The proposed legislation outlines a comprehensive, community-centered framework to address drug use, requiring local government units to implement a Community-Based Health and S ocial Support Program. This program includes evidence-based interventions such as psychosocial support, counselling, peer support and mentorship, referrals to health and social services, and education and outreach initiatives. The bill mandates the conversion of compulsory drug and rehabilitation centers into voluntary, community-based, and evidence-based health and social support programs. It explicitly bans controversial anti-drug practices like mandatory drug testing, torture, corporal punishment, involuntary treatment, compulsory detention, and information misrepresentation. Cendaña highlighted that the proposed law prohibits the use of Tokhang or drug lists, torture, unlawful police interference, and other cruel methods previously employed in the drug war. Public officers found guilty of engaging in prohibited acts could face administrative penalties ranging from a six-month suspension without pay to removal from office and perpetual disqualification after repeated offenses. Similarly, any physician, medical practitioner, or health personnel found guilty of such acts would face suspension of their license to practice for six months on the first offense, escalating to license revocation upon the third offense. During a recent Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the drug war, former president Rodrigo Duterte stated he would assume full, legal responsibility for his administration's actions.