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,"