WAKE UP CALL

Res Gestae

This country is becoming a haven for drug smugglers?!? None of us may
believe it but the report of the US State Department recently said
that illegal drug trade in the Philippines had evolved into a billion
dollar industry.

Couldn't that be enough reason to declare again a national "state of
emergency"? Labeling this country a drug smuggler's paradise may not
ignite mass rally to oust President Arroyo, but it will surely worsen
our economy.

Such revelation will indubitably shy away well-meaning investors!

Thus, if intelligence reports of coup attempts suffice for
Proclamation 1017, Malacanan must also take immediate and drastic
response in view of the said US State report.

We can't wait until this country becomes the drug capital in Asia to
move!

It was also averred in the said report that illegal drugs enter the
Philippines through seaports, economic zones, and airports.

Well, it cannot be denied that, with the 36,200 kilometers of
coastline and over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is more accessible
for drug smugglers. How the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency does
its mandate could be another waterloo!

The report, however, may appear unfair considering that authorities
continue its drive to dismantle drug laboratories, arrest and convict
traffickers and have heavily constricted the supply of illegal drugs
on the streets.

As Secretary Bunye said "the report calling the Philippines a drug
smuggler's haven is stretching it too far." However, either it is an
exaggeration or not, is there really a need for Malacanan to pose
good-to-be-true defenses?

There had been reported raids of drug laboratories, demolishing of
drug market, neutralization of drug gangs and personalities, but would
these be enough to take lightly, if not for granted, the report that
indeed illegal drug trade is gaining stronger ground in our land? I
can understand that, as this country still struggles to save its peso
amidst the seemingly unending political turmoil, admitting that it
becomes a haven for drug smugglers will only make the situation worse!

We need to attract investors but we also have not to resort to
concealing the threats that await them here. We have to attract
investors but at the same time give them assurance that the
Philippines is a safe place to work, live, invest and do business.
Thus, getting rid of illegal drugs and other threats to peace and
order can give investors the guarantee that they are at the right
place to do their business.

The US State report may not be pleasing to our ears. However, such
must not disappoint us instead propel us - meaning, not only the
authorities but ALL of us Filipinos - to combat illegal drugs.

We have to be thankful that somebody has called out our attention.

It is an indication that someone out there still cares for us. The
question is, do we really care for country... for ourselves... and for
the future? Let's wake up until it's too late!