Pubdate: Thu, 18 Sep 2003 Source: Manila Bulletin (The Philippines) Contact: http://www.mb.com.ph/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/906 ISSUES ON PROSECUTION OF DRUG CASES THRESHED OUT Administrative issues related to the prosecution of cases were threshed out during a meeting among key officials of the first three pillars of the criminal justice system -- law enforcement, prosecution and judiciary -- involved in the prosecution of drug cases. Usec. Anselmo S. Avenido Jr., director general of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), which organized the meeting, said that during the first year of PDEA's existence, issues and problems related to the successful prosecution of drug cases were encountered. Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, created the PDEA which was officially activated on July 30, 2002. Administrative issues discussed were those pertaining to serving of summons, appearance of government witnesses in court, immediate destruction of seized drugs no longer needed as evidence, and issuance of jail commitment orders. "These issues and problems are the main causes for the delay, and even dismissal, of drug cases, specifically in Metro Manila where the bulk of drug cases are now pending,'' Avenido said during the meeting held on Sept. 15 at the Club Filipino, Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila. Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose D. Lina, Jr. was the guest of honor and speaker. He emphasized that the different pillars of the criminal justice system must present a united front against the drug menace in order to succeed in solving this serious problem affecting the country. Avenido also stressed that "the reason why we held this dialogue is so that we can agree on how to address these administrative issues for the speedy and successful prosecution of drug cases that continue to increase due to the success of the intensified national anti-drug campaign.'' During the meeting, Police Senior Supt. Julieto P. Roxas, PDEA director for Legal and Prosecution Service, reported that the PDEA was able to locate a total of 251 police witnesses in drug cases. These police officers were found to have been transferred to different units, preventing them from attending hearings. (PDEA/PIO) - --- MAP posted-by: Josh