Passage of medical marijuana bill, unlikely, says Sotto

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said that the passage of a medical marijuana bill in the country is unlikely to happen.

Sotto said that the medical marijuana bill endorsed by the House of Representatives committee on health on Tuesday has no hope in the Senate.

“There is no hope for such bill here … It’s dead in the water,” the senator said, adding that he would oppose any proposal on the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

However, Sotto said that the Senate is willing to study the compassionate use of marijuana.

Furthermore, Sotto believes that passing a medical marijuana bill might encourage recreational use in the Philippines which could lead to a violation of a United Nation treaty signed by the country.

DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 10/ 02 /17