DOJ, DDB start review of anti-drug law

By Benjamin Pulta, Philippine News Agency

EXECUTIVE REVIEW. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) officials lead the executive review of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended, in this undated photo. The review, which began on Feb. 11, 2025, focuses on the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for a “whole-of-government approach” that incorporates law enforcement and rehabilitation of drug offenders in addressing the country’s drug problem. (Photo: Department of Justice – Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) have begun an executive review of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended.

In a statement on Friday, the DOJ said the executive review is under the policy pronouncement of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to address the country’s drug problem in a more balanced and comprehensive manner, “focusing on both enforcement and rehabilitation.”

The DOJ is represented by Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres, while Secretary Oscar Valenzuela represented the DDB in the first Pre-Writeshop Activity for the year that began Feb. 11.

The DOJ said the review would focus on the President’s directive for a “whole-of-government approach” that incorporates not only law enforcement but also social services and multi-faceted interventions, including community-based rehabilitation, education, and reintegration programs for drug offenders.

The review is participated in by non-government organizations and civil society groups, the University of the Philippines’ Institute of Human Rights, and international partners, such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC).

Andres noted that the review process would be highly consultative and that they would ensure that the recommendations and positions of relevant stakeholders given during the 1st Drug Policy and Law Reform Summit held in July 2024 would be carefully considered.

“Opinions of subject matter experts, including human rights and health advocates, will also be sought,” he said.

The DOJ and the DDB said the output of the executive review would be incorporated in the proposed bill to amend RA 9165 to ensure that it is evidence-based, backed up by studies, data, and statistics, and aligned with international standards and best practices.