Palace hails House OK of medical marijuana bill

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Thursday hailed the passing on third and final reading by the House of Representatives of a bill that would legalize and regulate the use of medical cannabis or marijuana.

“That’s good for those who are sick. The President has always said that he is in support of marijuana being used as a healing mechanism or medicine,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

READ: House green lights bill to legalize medical marijuana

Voting 163-5, the House gave its final nod to House Bill (HB) No. 6517. Only three lawmakers abstained during nominal voting.

Panelo said there was no need for the President to certify the bill as urgent, citing “they also are bent on passing that.”

President Duterte said in previous media interviews that he was in favor of legalizing medical marijuana.

Panelo earlier said the President was “in favor of limited use of marijuana” for medical purposes.

READ: Palace: Duterte to sign any bill legalizing medical marijuana

Some senators have expressed support for the passing a medical marijuana bill, but has yet to hurdle the committee level.   /muf