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Lacson thumbs down bill decriminalizing illegal drug use

Philippines | National

Lacson thumbs down bill decriminalizing illegal drug use

By Hannah L. Torregoza

Former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has thumbed down a proposal to decriminalize illegal drug use saying this would only boost the market for illegal drugs.

Lacson, a former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, made his position known after Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said he is now having second thoughts on pursuing the bill decriminalizing drug use.

“Decriminalizing drug use is a very bad idea,” Lacson said on Twitter.

“Why? It will inflate the market for drugs. When demand is high, supply will become abundant,” the former senator added.

Over the weekend, Dela Rosa admitted now having second thoughts about pursuing the said proposed law after receiving strong opposition of law enforcement authorities on the said bill, during the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs’ hearing.

Dela Rosa said he filed the bill in the hopes of helping out decongest jails which is already crammed with persons who have been arrested and charged for drug use.

Dela Rosa, also a former PNP chief, also said that he sees the need to help drug users get treatment at rehabilitation centers.

The senator said law enforcement agencies are against his bill as it could send a wrong signal to the public that drug use is now permissible since no one would be put to jail for using it.

Nagdadalawang-isip na rin ako (So I am now having second thoughts), being the proponent of the measure,” Dela Rosa said.

Related Tags

decriminalizing drug use illegal drug use bato dela rosa Philippine National Police (PNP) ping lacson

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