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.