Pubdate: Thu, 24 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 Author: Rico C. Navarro DESIGNATION OF DRUG COURTS WELCOMED Interior and Local Government Secretary Alfredo Lim yesterday expressed elation over the swift action of the Supreme Court in designating 41 special courts nationwide to prosecute and decide cases related to illegal drugs. "This gigantic step towards the speedy prosecution of drugs offenders and the eventual eradication of illegal drugs in the country," Lim, who led a spray-painting campaign on houses of suspected drugs pushers in Manila, said. The DILG chief said the Supreme Court's decision designating 41 Regional Trial Courts (RTC) nationwide as special courts for drug cases tremendously boosts the Estrada administration's campaign against illegal drugs. The High Tribunal's decision was in response to the DILG's recommendation for the setting up of special courts that will exclusively try illegal drug cases to stem the growing drug menace in the country. The recommendation was part of a set of guidelines drafted by the Department dovering the government comprehensive actions against prohibited drugs. Under the Tribunal's decision, drug cases where the accussed has not been arraigne will be transferred to the special courts, while cases in which the accused has already been arraigned will continue to be heard by the court having jurisdiction over them. Drug cases must likewise be tried continuously and be terminated within 60 days from the beginning of trial, and that judgement must be rendered within 30 days from submission of the lower court's decision, the SC added. "With this positive response from the H igh Tribunal, the Judiciary has shown its commitment to work with the Executive in terms of eradicating the illegal drugs trades which continues to victimize millions of Filipinos throughout the country," Lim said. ALL-OUT WAR Interior and Local Government Secretary Alfredo S. Lim yesterday urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other agencies responsible in the fight against drug to launch an all out war for the arrest of drug pushers, drug lords, users, and its protectors, following reports that some high-ranking police officials and politicians are behind the proliferation of shabu and other illegal drugs in the country. In an interview with parents of a some drug users, they said that they are calling the attention of the Senate to conduct an inquiry on the continued existence of drugs in the country despite the continious drive launched by lawmen. It was reported that billions of peso worth of drugs have been seized, several laboratories have been discovered and destroyed, and several drug lordshave been arrested but the drug problem remains the number one menace of the country. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens