PDEA Wants To Ban Shanti Dope ‘Amatz’ For ‘Promoting Drug Use’
PDEA – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) wants to ban Shanti Dope’s song ‘Amatz’ for “promoting drug use.”
Pinoy rapper and songwriter Sean Patrick Ramos or better known as Shanti Dope is known for his songs “MAU,” “Shantidope,” and “Nadarang.”
The 18-year-old musician is among the local rappers who write song lyrics with the idea of storytelling.
On March 22, Shanti Dope released the song titled “Amatz.” However, PDEA found the song inappropriate for all the listeners.
Based on a report from GMA, the authorities wanted to stop the airing and promotion of the rap song at it allegedly promotes the use of “cannabis sativa.”
It is a strong smelling-plant that can produce a feeling of elation or high.
According to the report, PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino requested several media stations to halt Shanti Dope’s “Amatz” song from airing.
These stations include the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit, Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) and the ABS-CBN Corporation.
PDEA mentioned few lines of the song that triggered them to ban the song.
“Lakas ng amats ko, sobrang natural, walang halong kemikal.”
“Ito hinahangad ko; lipadin ay mataas pa sa kayang ipadama sayo ng gramo, di bale ng musika ikamatay.”
Aaron Aquino also claimed that Shanti Dope was describing the euphoria effect of “cannabis sativa.”
Based on the report, Aaron Aquino spoke regarding the artists and the theme that should be considered also.
“We respect and appreciate our artists in the music industry, however, we strongly oppose the promotion of musical pieces or songs that encourage the recreational use of drugs… It is contrary to our fight against illegal drugs.”
“The airing of the song that features the use of illegal drugs as harmless may mislead the vulnerable youth in their perception that it is all right to use illegal drugs,” he added.
One of the main focus of Duterte’s administration is abolishing the use of illegal drugs in the country.
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