Drug review activity underway

The first pre-write shop activity this year for the executive review of Republic Act 9165, or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended, has begun.

The Department of Justice (DoJ) was represented by Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes T. Andres, while the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) was represented by its new head, Secretary Oscar Valenzuela.

This review is in line with the President’s directive to address the country’s drug problem in a more balanced and comprehensive manner, emphasizing both enforcement and rehabilitation. The approach promotes a “whole-of-government” strategy, integrating not only law enforcement but also social services, community-based rehabilitation, education, and reintegration programs for drug offenders.

The government has also expressed interest in collaborating with international partners in the fight against illegal drugs while respecting human rights. The review process is participatory, involving non-government organizations, civil society groups (such as the Drug Policy Reform Initiative, NoBox, and StreetLawPH), the academe (including the University of the Philippines’ Institute of Human Rights), and international partners like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

During the Pre-Writeshop Activity, Undersecretary Andres emphasized that the review process will be highly consultative. He assured that the recommendations and positions presented during the 1st Drug Policy and Law Reform Summit in July 2024 will be carefully considered, along with the views of subject matter experts, including human rights and health advocates.

Both Undersecretary Andres and Secretary Valenzuela stressed that the output of the executive review — a proposed bill amending RA 9165 — will be evidence-based, supported by studies, data and statistics, and aligned with international standards and best practices.