Senate Minority Leader Refiles Bill for New Drug Agency
Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III has reintroduced a bill to create the Presidential Drug Enforcement Authority (PRDEA) to boost the fight against illegal drugs. This new agency aims to replace the current Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).
Sotto’s Senate Bill No. 190 also proposes amendments to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165), which he originally authored. He explained that the existing law needs updating after 23 years of use to strengthen oversight and improve anti-drug policies.
Proposed Changes in Drug Enforcement Structure
The bill envisions the transfer of PDEA’s enforcement roles to multiple agencies. These include the Philippine National Police (PNP), through its Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force and other narcotics units, as well as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) via its similar task forces.
Moreover, the Bureau of Customs and the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ narcotics units will share responsibility for anti-drug enforcement efforts. Operational units of the current PDEA would integrate into the new PRDEA, ensuring technical support aligns with each bureau’s needs.
Opposition and Concerns from Existing Agencies
Both PDEA and DDB have voiced opposition to the creation of the PRDEA. They argue that forming another agency could complicate and potentially harm the government’s ongoing war on drugs instead of improving it.
Despite this, Sotto stressed that the campaign against illegal drugs has lacked a comprehensive approach. He pointed out that enforcement and prosecution have been the main focus, resulting in casualties and numerous dismissed cases.
Holistic Approach Needed for Drug War
Sotto highlighted that prevention and rehabilitation efforts have not been fully implemented by key agencies like the Department of Education and Department of Health. His proposal aims to unify enforcement, prosecution, prevention, and rehabilitation under one government body to improve coordination and effectiveness.
He emphasized the importance of a supervisory agency to monitor and coordinate the efforts of all concerned government units mandated under RA 9165. This approach is intended to ensure all aspects of the drug problem are addressed in harmony.
“Since these four must be in sync, a supervisory agency has to step in to monitor, coordinate and ensure that the concerned government agencies mandated to perform several duties under Republic Act No. 9165 are doing their mandate effectively,” Sotto said.
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