IN the light of the recently concluded drug policy and reform summit, House Committee on Dangerous Drugs Chairman Robert Ace Barbers today revealed that under the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez, the committee has seriously embarked on a thorough review of RA 9165, to conform and effectively implement the new policy on the continuing battle against illegal drugs.
It will be recalled that since the 17th congress, proposed landmark amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act, RA 9165 have been exhaustively tackled and debated hotly in the plenary of the House of Representatives and resulted in the passing of the bill.
Among the significant amendments were the adoption of legal presumptions that will make the law very effective in fighting, prosecuting and convicting illegal drug manufacturers, importers, coddlers and financiers.
The proposed amendments are seen to cripple the supply side and deter sources of illegal drugs from doing business in the country. Unfortunately, no similar bill was ever adopted in the Senate.
The amendments proposed are not in conflict with the current administration’s thrust of adopting a new face in the drug war. Tightening the supply side of the drug trade puts emphasis on the objective of making illegal drugs unavailable or very hard to obtain, thus freeing the victim user from dependence, which is the ideal result.
On the demand side, amendments are in place towards a more comprehensive rehabilitation of victim users. More rehabilitation facilities are being proposed as well as a more active campaign starting in the grassroots through the barangay anti-drug councils. Bigger allocations for anti-illegal drug education and activities are also an integral part of the proposed amendments.
“Through the able leadership of Speaker Romualdez and the staunch commitment of President BBM,
we see a stronger and better chance to turn the tide towards freedom from illegal drugs and give hope and brighter future to our people, saving society from the menace that has ended so many dreams, lives and families,” Barbers said.
Barbers lauded and assured that the House of Representatives under Speaker Romualdez has taken a pro active role in supporting the administration’s BIDA program, aimed at curbing drug dependence through education, rehabilitation and job creation in preparation for the reintegration to society of the rehabilitated victims.
Barbers expressed hope that the President will certify the measure as urgent.
