House passes bill strengthening drug prevention on second reading

MANILA, Philippines — A bill which would strengthen drug prevention and control in the country was passed on second reading by the House of Representatives on Thursday, days after it was brought back to the committee level for amendments.

This version of House Bill 8909 comes without the death penalty for people caught in possession of illegal drugs in parties.

On Wednesday, the bill — which was already passed on the third and final reading — was brought back to the committee on dangerous drugs for amendments, which include the removal of the death penalty provision.

If enacted, the proposed measure will amend R.A. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Some of the other amendments introduced by HB 8909 include the proper disposal of dangerous drugs within a licensed authorized facility to ensure that the confiscated substances would not be reused or resold.

Another amendment is the addition of other essential chemicals not yet enumerated in R.A. 9165. /ee

READ: House to review, clarify death penalty bill for drug possession

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