Issue #3:

The legalization of Marijuana, considered a recreational drug, has been a controversial topic in the
Philippines. The Republic of the Philippines is a developing Southeast Asian country with a population of
more than a hundred million, and the capital city of Manila is considered one of the most populous
areas in the world. Due to this context, there is also a weak law enforcement system in the populous
country. The incumbent President of the Philippines, Rodrigo R. Duterte, is one of the outspoken critics
of the use of recreational drugs in the Philippines, leading to the establishment of the Drug War which is
still continuing today. There are diverse perspectives among the Filipino people when it comes to drugs,
wherein different sectors have varying views.

The first question that appears is regarding the readiness of the Philippines when it comes to the
legalization of marijuana. The Philippines, due to the socio-cultural and political context, is not yet ready
for its legalization. First, it is important to understand the purpose and use of marijuana. Will it be used
for recreational addiction? Criminal activities? Or medical purposes? If marijuana will be used for
recreational or criminal activities, then it is highly unlikely that the Philippine government will legalize it.
The conservative sectors of the Filipino people will probably disagree with the legalization as well if that
is the purpose.

However, what if marijuana will be used for medical purposes? Then, the views of the people will be
more diverse. President Duterte was in favor of the idea during his campaign back in 2016, but he said
that only experts and responsible government offices (like the Department of Health and the Philippine
Drug Enforcement Agency) must administer it. Current Senate President Vicente Sotto III, on the other
hand, is not in favor of it, because of the weak law enforcement system of the country (Police, Agents,
etc.). Drug syndicates may also take the opportunity to commit more crimes. The political climate of the
country also affects the readiness of the state to legalize marijuana.

The second question then is regarding the morality of marijuana. Due to cultural relativism, there are
several views claiming that it is moral, while at the same time, criticizing the possibility of addiction and
crime. A libertarian culture, mostly in metropolitan areas in the country, may say that it is moral because
we must respect each other’s' views and rights equally. The conservative culture, on the other hand,
may disagree due to the possibility of widespread criminal activities. The best possible conclusion is that
everyone must respect each other’s' views regarding marijuana and its legalization, but all must
condemn the criminal effects it may include.

In conclusion, my theory is that the social issue regarding the legalization of marijuana has a much
profound context behind the appearance. First, it is a fight for awareness and clarification. There are a
lot of different views regarding the issue, because of the lack of awareness and clarity. Second, it is a
conflict of law enforcement agencies and crime. The Philippines is highly populous, and its law
enforcement agencies have been always labelled as corrupt, ineffective, and incompetent with the rise
of crime. Lastly, it is also a battle of cultural and moral values. Social libertarian and progressive cultures,
which are mostly the products of urbanization, modernization, and Western influences tend to promote
the legal use of the drug as a right, while conservative views, mostly attached by religion, say otherwise.
Therefore, the legalization of marijuana is also affected by socio-cultural practices and causes.