Proposed PRDEA seen to consolidate anti-drug enforcement efforts

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

Presiding over the hearing Wednesday, Senator JV Ejercito said the proposal of Senate President Vicente Sotto III is part of broader reforms aimed at reinforcing the anti-illegal drug campaign while upholding institutional safeguards. “Today, we have a packed and significant agenda focused on two major pillars of our law enforcement: Measures focused on strengthening the conduct of our anti-drug campaign, including the proposal of Senate President Sotto to establish the Presidential Drug Enforcement Authority, and the organizational welfare of the Philippine National Police through the adjustment of the compulsory age of retirement,” Ejercito said. (Photo: PNA/Facebook)

MANILA – The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on Wednesday deliberated on a proposal to create a Presidential Drug Enforcement Authority (PRDEA), a measure lawmakers said could consolidate and further strengthen the country’s anti-drug enforcement framework.

Presiding over the hearing Wednesday, Senator JV Ejercito said the proposal of Senate President Vicente Sotto III is part of broader reforms aimed at reinforcing the anti-illegal drug campaign while upholding institutional safeguards.

“Today, we have a packed and significant agenda focused on two major pillars of our law enforcement: Measures focused on strengthening the conduct of our anti-drug campaign, including the proposal of Senate President Sotto to establish the Presidential Drug Enforcement Authority, and the organizational welfare of the Philippine National Police through the adjustment of the compulsory age of retirement,” Ejercito said.

He said reforms must strengthen institutions while respecting legal safeguards.

“Nais po nating matiyak na ang anumang reporma na ating isusulong ay makakatulong sa pagpapalakas ng ating mga institusyon habang sinisigurong iginagalang ang rule of law (We want to ensure that any reforms we pursue will help strengthen our institutions while ensuring respect for the rule of law),” he added.

Sotto earlier proposed that the PRDEA oversee the proper filing of drug cases and the assignment of lawyers in every precinct, and unify enforcement, prosecution, prevention and rehabilitation under one roof to promote a holistic approach.

Apart from the creation of the PRDEA, lawmakers also tackled amendments to Section 21 of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), which governs the handling and inventory of seized drugs.

Sotto proposed easing the current witness requirements and allowing a two-witness rule composed of ordinary citizens or the use of body-worn cameras in lieu of mandatory representatives from the Department of Justice or the media.

Meanwhile, Senator Erwin Tulfo filed Senate Bill No. 1303 seeking to remove the requirement for media representatives to sign the inventory of confiscated drugs.

“With my proposed measure, Senate Bill No. 1303, media representatives are no longer required to be signatories in the inventory of confiscated drugs and other drug-related items,” Tulfo said.