NEWLY- appointed House Committee on Dangerous Drugs Chair and Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos yesterday vowed to strengthen congressional oversight of the government’s anti-illegal drug campaign while pushing tougher laws to dismantle drug syndicates, expand rehabilitation, and hold government agencies accountable.
Santos said one of his top priorities is to ensure that all agencies involved in the government’s anti-drug campaign remain accountable to Congress through regular performance reviews and measurable results.
“We must ensure that every peso spent and every operation conducted produces concrete results. Congress has the responsibility to hold our anti-drug agencies accountable and ensure that our policies are effective, transparent, and responsive to emerging drug threats,” Santos said.
The lawmaker said the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs will require regular performance reports from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Health (DOH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and other concerned agencies.
He said the committee will establish measurable performance indicators, including targets on illegal drug seizures, successful prosecution of drug cases, dismantling of drug syndicates, rehabilitation outcomes, drug prevention programs, and community-based interventions.
Santos also announced an ambitious legislative agenda that includes amendments to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act to strengthen the country’s legal framework against evolving narcotics operations.
Among the priority measures he intends to pursue are increasing penalties for large-scale drug trafficking, illegal drug manufacturing, and the financing of narcotics operations; and strengthening anti-money laundering provisions targeting drug proceeds.
The lawmaker also plans to seek increased government funding for drug rehabilitation, prevention, aftercare, and mental health services, recognizing that enforcement alone cannot solve the country’s drug problem.
In response to the growing use of digital platforms by criminal organizations, Santos said he will also push legislation criminalizing the online sale, distribution, and promotion of illegal drugs while strengthening cyber enforcement capabilities.
He likewise pledged to enhance legal protection for informants and whistleblowers whose testimony is crucial in dismantling large-scale drug syndicates.
“Our fight against illegal drugs must be intelligence-driven, evidence-based, and balanced. We must relentlessly pursue drug syndicates while strengthening rehabilitation, prevention, and community partnerships to protect our families and future generations,” Santos said.
Santos said his leadership of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs will focus on building a more effective, transparent, and accountable national anti-illegal drug strategy that protects communities, upholds the rule of law, and strengthens public confidence in government institutions.
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