Pubdate: Fri, 04 Aug 2000 Source: Manila Bulletin (The Philippines) Contact: Muralla corner Recoletos Sts., Intramuros, Manila Fax: 527-7534 Website: http://www.mb.com.ph/frntpage.asp NEW ANTI-DRUGS AGENCY PROPOSED Senate President Franklin M. Drilon has called for increased efforts to address the drug problem in the Philippines, citing proposed Senate Bill 383, which seeks to create a Presidential Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). "Drug abuse, while totally preventable, does more to destroy the moral fabric of the nation than many other social ills combined," Drilon said. SB 383 provides for the transfer, absorption, and integration of the existing Dangerous Drugs Board, the Narcotics Unit of the Philippine National Police, and other abuse units of other agencies into the PDEA. The PDEA, if created, will be responsible for the enforcement of all laws on prohibited and regulated drugs, as well as the integration and coordination of all matters relating to the campaign against abuse. The functions of the PDEA may include: * Establishing and implementing a comprehensive national drug control strategy. * Undertaking the formation of a nationwide organization to handle all activities against drug abuse in every province, city, municipality and barangay. * Implementation an educational program and information drive on the hazards and prevention of illegal drugs. * Enforcing all laws on prohibited drugs. * Establishing and maintaining government drug rehabilitation centers and overseeing he operation of privately-owned drug rehabilitation centers throughout the country. * Establishing and maintaining drug testing networks. * Maintaining laboratories responsible for conducting scientific research on drugs and drug control measures. "SB 383 is currently being discussed in the committee level and will soon be reported out for floor deliberations in the next few weeks," - --- MAP posted-by: Derek