Makabayan solons file bill to exempt journalists from becoming witness in drug ops
In this file photo, Reps. Arlene Brosas, Carlos Isagani Zarate, Sarah Jane Elago, France Castro and Ariel Casilao face the media in Makabayan bloc’s regular press briefing. PDI file photo / Vince F. Nonato
MANILA, Philippines — The House Makabayan opposition bloc filed on Tuesday a bill seeking to exempt journalists from “acting as witnesses” in anti-drug operations.
Together with members of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, ACT Teachers Reps. Antonio Tinio and France Castro, Gabriela Reps. Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas, Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao and Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago have filed House Bill No. 8832.
The bill seeks to amend Section 1 of Republic Act No. 10640, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, by removing the media from those persons required to sign copies of the inventory of seized illegal drugs or items after operations.
The present law stipulates the process of inventory and disposition of drugs or items by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency after seizure and confiscation.
It further requires the apprehending team to conduct a physical inventory of the seized items “in the presence of the accused or the person/s from whom such items were confiscated and/or seized, or his/her representative or counsel, with an elected public official and a representative of the National Prosecution Service or the media who shall be required to sign the copies of the inventory.”
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