Sen. Tito Sotto Files Bill for PDEA Abolition
TITO SOTTO – The Senate Minority Leader filed a bill that seeks to replace the Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority (PDEA) with a new agency to deal with the drug problem in the Philippines.
The previous administration is undeniably known for its fight against illegal drugs. However, the said campaign also earned countless criticisms as it is linked to several deaths. Former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte is currently under the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands over the said campaign.
Duterte is set to face the confirmation of charges in the ICC process on September 23. According to his camp, they will not be presenting witnesses nor supplying written testimonies as they believe that credibility has no value in the said phase.
Previously, Pres. Bongbong Marcos claimed that the government will continue the war on drugs but it will be “bloodless”. According to him, no suspects will be put to death and the move will be in a “peaceful way”.
Marcos Jr. also stressed that the government will strengthen prevention, rehabilitation, and as well as continuous enforcement of all the laws against illegal drugs. According to the President, the new manner is working and the government will continue down that line.
However, recently, Senate Minority Leader Tito Sotto made a move that seeks for the abolition of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency or more popularly called PDEA. Based on a report on PhilStar, Sotto wants it replaced with Presidential Drug Enforcement Authority.
The bill fild by Senate Minority Leader Tito Sotto, once passed into law, will amend the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 that is a measure in the country for 23 years now. He wants the major anti-drug programs of the government to be under the Presidential Drug Enforcement Authority.
“Supervision of enforcement activities is desirable to map out policies for more effective anti-illegal drugs campaigns,” the Sente Minority Leader said.
Based on the report, Sen. Tito Sotto also claimed that other key aspects in the fight against illegal drugs such as prevention and rehabilitation under the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Health (DOH) are allegedly underdeveloped as the government focused on the enforcement.
“There is no best time to cure this social illness than now,” Sotto said.
Sen. Tito Sotto is now Senate Minority Leader after failing to take the Senate presidency from Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero with a 5-19 voting. Currently, he leads a five-person opposition team in the upper chamber.