Duterte institutionalizes PH Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy

President Rodrigo Duterte has issued an order institutionalizing the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS) amid the government’s relentless crackdown on illegal drugs.

Duterte signed on Monday Executive Order No. 66 which directs all government agencies, offices, departments and bureaus including government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs) to implement the PADS in accordance with their respective mandate.

Malacañang released to the media a copy of the order on Wednesday.

Non-government organizations, civil society organizations and private institutions are also encouraged to actively support the projects under the PADS.

“The proliferation of prohibited drugs and their precursors is a serious national concern, encompassing social, economic, psychological and economic interests, which necessitates the active and unified involvement of various government and non-government agencies,” EO 66 said.

“To ensure the successful implementation of the Pads and to demonstrate our country’s resolve in confronting the issue on illegal drugs, it is necessary to ensure that government and non-government entities carry out their respective functions and tasks under the Pads,” it added.

The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), as mandated by the Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, formulated the PADS “which outlines the balanced efforts of the government to strengthen its campaign against prohibited drugs and their precursors , and contribute to international efforts to counter the worldwide illegal drug problem.”

In his order, Duterte directed the DDB to be the lead agency in implementing PADS.

All government entities, GOCCs, and SUCs are also mandated to submit to the DDB their respective implementing and operational plans relative to the PADS, within 60 days from effectivity of the order.

They will also submit to DDB every month of February of each year, an Annual Report outlining or detailing accomplishments relative to their respective tasks, undertakings, programs and projects under the PADS. /je