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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Abalos rejects proposal to decriminalize use of illegal drugs

Abalos rejects proposal to decriminalize use of illegal drugs

Published Dec 15, 2022 11:55 am

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr. has rejected the proposed decriminalization of drug use, as he insisted that it would not help the government’s intense campaign against illegal drugs.

He issued the pronouncement in reaction to Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa's proposal to decriminalize the use of illegal drugs to decongest jails and address the problem of drug addiction as a health issue.

"With due respect, ang giyera (illegal drug war) na nakikita ko ngayon, hindi makakatulong sa laban namin at hindi makakatulong sa mga bata, dahil nagsisimula yan nang maliliit (using small amounts of illegal drugs). Pangalawa, magkakaroon ng technicality yan ikakalat lang nila (drug syndicates) nang maliliit sa iba-iba (the war that I can see now, this would not aid us in our fight and it would not help the youth, since it starts in small episodes. Second, there would be a technicality in there with it being spread to the small-time pushers),’’ Abalos said in an interview on Dobol B TV.

"Sana 'wag na lang. Ako kung itim, itim. Kung puti, puti, kung bawal, bawal at para sa akin bawal lahat 'to. Hulihin (drug personalities) na lang natin (I hope it does not push through, For me, if it is black, it is black. If it is prohibited, then it is prohibited and for me, these are all prohibited. Let us just arrest them),’’ he added.

The DILG chief also vowed to clean the ranks of the law enforcement groups amid the supposed return of ninja cops who are allegedly part of the drug syndicates, a point raised by Dela Rosa.

"Matagal na tong mga taong ito (ninja cops) na nasa loob (law enforcement units) maski kanino pang panahon ito. Ang sa akin lang, mangangako ako sa inyo...lilinisin ko ito. Pangako ko po ito (These people have been in the inside group even during the previous administrations. For me, I will promise to cleanse the ranks. This is my promise),’’ Abalos assured.

Related Tags

decriminalizing drug use bane in national anti-illegal drug campaign senator bato dela rosa proposal supported by senator robin padilla Benhur Abalos
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