46% conviction rate in drug cases under PBBM: PDEA

(PNA File Photo)

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Almost half of the drug cases filed since the start of the Marcos administration in July 2022 have resulted in a conviction, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the PDEA said through its intensified legal coordination and case build-up efforts, 837 cases or 46.45 percent of the 1,802 drug cases filed by the PDEA between July 2022 and August 2025 have resulted in a conviction.

Meanwhile, 462 cases or 25.64 percent were dismissed, and 503 cases or 27.91 percent resulted in an acquittal.

PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani Nerez said the agency has adopted a strategic shift from purely operational enforcement to a justice-centered approach, placing greater emphasis on the legal outcome of every anti-narcotics operation and convictions, particularly against high-profile drug traffickers, drug offenders and those linked to money laundering syndicates.

“We are not just counting arrests, we are focused on convictions. Every conviction is a victory for justice and a message to drug syndicates that they will face the full force of the law,” said Nerez.

The PDEA said it continues to work closely with the National Prosecution Service (NPS) to ensure that every anti-drug case brought to court has a solid foundation for conviction.
“Our fight does not end with the arrest, it ends when justice is served and drug offenders are behind bars where they belong,” he said.

He said the achievement aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines), a country where the rule of law is fair, impartial, and truly accessible to every Filipino.

In 2024, the Department of Justice issued the Rules on Criminal Investigation, ensuring that only cases with strong, prosecutable evidence proceed to trial, boosting confidence in the integrity of the justice system.

“We call on every Filipino to take a stand. Protect your communities. Report drug-related activities, and help us build a safer, drug-free Philippines,” Nerez said.

The PDEA chief said he believes the current conviction is a strong deterrent to those who continue to engage in drug trafficking and related crimes.

“These numbers speak louder than words.

They show that our institutions are working, and that no one is above the law,” Nerez added.