Name: Lamadrid, James Ivan H.

Project for Prelim: Reflection paper

Course/Block: AB ELS 1A
(RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Drug Act of 2002)

Selected topic: “The Government campaign

against dangerous drugs”

I strongly stand about the topic above and it has multiple facts that can feed our curiosity.
Drug addiction is not only a domestic problem but also a worldwide issue. Its rapid
increase from being the cause and effect of the problem is one of the main reasons of the
unstable and slow development of the country. Rampant consumption of illegal drugs and
criminal acts related to drug addiction are some of the major problems faced by the Philippine
society.
On June 30, 2016, when Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte took office, his
government initiated an extraordinary anti-drug campaign. He promised to address the country's
illegal drug problem, which he claimed was causing havoc on the lives of many Filipino families
and threatening the youth's future. He launched a "war on drugs" against users, peddlers, makers,
and suppliers, and urged the Philippine criminal justice system to resolve the drug epidemic.
According to the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), the government agency in charge of
developing policies on illegal drugs in the Philippines, there are 1.8 million active drug users and
4.8 million people who have used illegal drugs at least once in their lifetimes. Over three-
quarters of drug users are adults (91%) and males (87%) who have completed high school (80
percent ). More than two-thirds (67%) of the population are employed. In the Philippines, the
most commonly used drug is shabu, a methamphetamine variation known as "poor man's
cocaine." According to United Nations research from 2012, the Philippines has the highest rate
of methamphetamine consumption among East Asian countries, with roughly 2.2 percent of
Filipinos aged 16 to 64 using. As a matter of fact, The Philippines’ official Dangerous Drugs
Board (DDB) unveiled a new proposal today for a government anti-drug approach that, “is about
protecting the life of the people,” distancing itself from President Rodrigo Duterte’s murderous,
“war on drugs.” It’s the latest sign of growing unease within the government about the ongoing
crackdown. The DDB’s declaration includes an implicit recognition of the public health aspect of
illegal drug use, “which recognizes that the drug problem as both social and psychological.”
Through my in-depth comprehension it was mandated to be the policy-making and coordinating
agency as well as the national clearing house on all matters pertaining to law enforcement and
control of dangerous drugs; treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependents; drug abuse
prevention, training and information.
 In this regard, we have the power and duties of the PDEA as the lead Agency in
the enforcement of the anti-drug law such as: Suppresses the supply of dangerous drugs,
Implements Dangerous Drugs Board policies, Controls and regulates the legitimate use of
dangerous drug and controlled precursors and essential chemicals, Supervises the anti-
drug activities of the drug law enforcement agencies, Coordinates the participation of all
stakeholders in the anti-drug campaign. In spite of the complexity, the R.A 9165 or
Comprehensive Drug Act of 2002 were the policy of the State to safeguard the integrity
of its territory and the well-being of its citizenry particularly the youth, from the harmful
effects of dangerous drugs on their physical and mental well-being, and to defend the
same against acts or omissions detrimental to their development and preservation. Thus,
as a youth the importance of Dangerous Drug Law, specifically to the NSTP students and
the community in general is that, they will be educate or know more the drug abuse
prevention and control.
Always remember this, “Drugs are the enemies of ambition and hope-
And when we fight against drugs we are for the future.”-Bob Riley

REFERENCE:

The Manila Declaration on the Drug Problem in the Philippines (nih.gov)