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)