Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 29) — While Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is taking a step back from his proposal to decriminalize illegal drug use, Senator Robin Padilla is offering another idea.
In July, Dela Rosa filed a bill strengthening drug abuse prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. This includes a provision stating that those who test positive for drugs shall be referred to a treatment and rehabilitation facility instead of being jailed — except when huge amounts of dangerous drugs are found in their possession.
Speaking to Senate reporters on Tuesday, Dela Rosa admitted to having second thoughts about decriminalizing drug use.
“Malaki ang opposition, malaki ang objection coming from the law enforcement sector kaya nga sabi ko nagdadalawang isip ako whether or not to push through with that particular amendment,” the former Philippine National Police chief said.
[Translation: There’s wide opposition, strong objection coming from the law enforcement sector that’s why I said I am having second thoughts whether or not to push through with that particular amendment.]
“[Kapag] lumakas ang drug problem, sasabihin ng taumbayan e yan nangyari iyan dahil sa Bato law,” he added.
[Translation: If the drug problem worsens, the public will blame the Bato law.]
In a separate media interview, Padilla expressed support for Dela Rosa’s bill, saying they both have been exposed to the realities in the New Bilibid Prison as former inmate and Bureau of Corrections chief, respectively.
Padilla said he is studying a possible amendment to Dela Rosa’s bill — the removal of criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of illegal drugs, for instance, 0.2 to 0.3 grams, to save poor drug users.
“Pag kinulong mo yan sa loob ng kulungan tapos ang kinabukasan niya,” Padilla said. “Nakita ko unang unang ginagamit ng drug lord ang mga mahihirap na naging biktima ng mga pusher.”
[Translation: If you jail them, their lives are over. I saw first-hand how the drug lords take advantage of the victims of drug pushers.]
Dela Rosa said his bill retains jail time for possession of illegal drugs, but he will look into Padilla’s proposal.
