03-08-2025
Tito Sotto files bill proposing creation of Presidential Drug Enforcement Authority
Senate Minority Leader Vicente 'Tito' Sotto III has filed a measure proposing the creation of the Presidential Drug Enforcement Authority to strengthen the government's response against illegal narcotics and drug abuse.
The proposed measure, the Presidential Drug Enforcement Authority Act, aims to amend Republic Act (RA) 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
'The law, as presently formulated, needs retrofitting, so to speak, like any structure or machine in constant use for 23 years now,' Sotto said in a statement Sunday.
'Supervision of enforcement activities is desirable to map out policies for more effective anti-illegal drugs campaigns,' he added.
The bill seeks to dissolve the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).
Under the Presidential Drug Enforcement Authority, five bureaus will be formed:
1. Anti-Drug Enforcement
2. Anti-Drug Prosecution
3. Anti-Drug Prevention
4. Anti-Drug Rehabilitation
5. Anti-Drug Policy Formulation, Guidelines and Procedure
The bill stated the existing powers of the PDEA on anti-drug enforcement will be exercised by the Philippine National Police Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operation Task Force, the National Bureau of Investigation Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force, the Bureau of Customs Task Group/Force in Dangerous Drugs and Controlled Chemicals, and the Narcotics Units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and their similar units.
The proposed Presidential Drug Enforcement Authority will be under the Office of the President.
Its secretary will be appointed by the President and will be responsible for the general administration and management of the agency.
The bill also stated that the funds for the implementation of the Presidential Drug Enforcement Authority will be taken from PDEA and DDB's budget for the current fiscal year, and the General Appropriations Act thereafter. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News
