Las pi±as: The newly appointed chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Dangerous Drugs, Las Pi±as Lone District Rep. Mark Anthony Santos, has announced plans to bolster congressional oversight of the government's anti-illegal drug campaign. This includes pursuing stricter legislation aimed at dismantling drug syndicates, expanding rehabilitation initiatives, and enhancing government accountability.
According to Philippines News Agency, Santos emphasized the importance of ensuring that the agencies involved in the anti-drug campaign are accountable to Congress through regular performance reviews and measurable outcomes. "We must ensure that every peso spent and every operation conducted produces concrete results. Congress has the responsibility to hold our anti-drug agencies accountable and ensure that our policies are effective, transparent, and responsive to emerging drug threats," Santos stated.
He further mentioned that the committee will demand regular performance reports from key agencies, including the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Philippine National Police, Department of Health, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Justice, Bureau of Customs, and other relevant bodies. "The committee will establish measurable performance indicators, including targets on illegal drug seizures, successful prosecution of drug cases, dismantling of drug syndicates, rehabilitation outcomes, drug prevention programs, and community-based interventions," he added.
Santos outlined a legislative agenda aimed at amending the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act to reinforce the country's legal framework against evolving narcotics operations. His priority measures include increasing penalties for large-scale drug trafficking, illegal drug manufacturing, and financing narcotics operations, along with strengthening anti-money laundering provisions targeting drug proceeds.
The lawmaker also expressed his intent to advocate for increased government funding for drug rehabilitation, prevention, aftercare, and mental health services, acknowledging that law enforcement alone cannot solve the country's drug problem. To counter the rising use of digital platforms by criminal organizations, Santos aims to push for legislation criminalizing the online sale, distribution, and promotion of illegal drugs while enhancing cyber enforcement capabilities.
Santos pledged to enhance legal protection for informants and whistleblowers, whose testimony is vital in dismantling large-scale drug syndicates. "Our fight against illegal drugs must be intelligence-driven, evidence-based, and balanced. We must relentlessly pursue drug syndicates while strengthening rehabilitation, prevention, and community partnerships to protect our families and future generations," Santos concluded.
