I have to start by expressing my utmost respect and admiration for Senate Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III who has made significant contributions to anti-drugs legislation.

During his tenure on the board of directors and as the acting chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board in 2008 under President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, he demonstrated a strong commitment to combating illegal drugs. We all witnessed his dedication to this vital cause.

Last week, the senator was in the news advocating for the abolition of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in favor of a new Presidential Drug Enforcement Authority.

Sotto says the current drug law requires updating. While the intention behind this legislative move seems commendable, I am deeply concerned about the implications of such an extreme step.

It is crucial to evaluate the performance of the PDEA over the years. Although no system is without flaws, PDEA has successfully conducted numerous operations against drug trafficking and has increased awareness about the dangers of substance abuse.

Abolishing the agency could result in losing vital institutional knowledge and experience held by its personnel. A complete overhaul may lead to confusion, fragmentation, and disruption of ongoing operations that are crucial in the fight against illegal drugs.

As the former PDEA Region 7 Director, I have witnessed PDEA’s fluctuations in the ongoing battle against deeply rooted criminal drug syndicates. While enforcement is important, it must be paired with strong prevention and rehabilitation initiatives.

Sotto’s proposal misplaces its focus by prioritizing the creation of a new central authority over the improvement of the current agency.

Rather than reallocating resources and efforts to create a new bureaucracy, we should find ways to enhance PDEA’s operational framework, expand its workforce, and improve collaboration between agencies.

This approach is not only more practical, but it can also be achieved without the drastic upheaval associated with disbanding the current agency.

Strengthening the PDEA involves empowering it to adopt a holistic approach to drug abuse.

This includes closely collaborating with the Department of Education and the Department of Health to create comprehensive programs emphasizing education and recovery instead of focusing solely on criminality.

There is much to learn from the implementation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Amendments can be made incrementally, allowing us to evaluate their impact without introducing drastic changes that could lead to significant disruptions.

We must recognize that the fight against illegal drugs does not have to choose between enforcement and rehabilitation. We can and must do both.

By strengthening the capacity of the PDEA and reinforcing its partnership with other agencies, we can create a comprehensive approach.

This approach will not only address illegal drug use through law enforcement but also foster a safer society through education and recovery initiatives.

While there is a need to review and modify legislation, the solution lies not in reinventing the wheel but in refining and enhancing the existing framework.