DOJ initiates review of drug policies with assistance of NGOs, int’l orgs
The Department of Justice (DOJ) conducted its executive review of the country’s drug policies in collaboration with several non-governmental and international organizations to adopt a more balanced and comprehensive approach.
The DOJ said on Friday that the review was done on February 11, led by Justice Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andre and Dangerous Drugs Board Secretary Oscar Valenzuela.
The review was the first pre-writing activity for the executive review of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The review’s goal was to establish a whole-of-government approach “that incorporates not only law enforcement but also social services and multi-faceted interventions including community-based rehabilitation, education, and reintegration programs for drug offenders,” the DOJ said in a statement.
The review was done with advocate groups like the Drug Policy Reform Initiative, NoBox, StreetLawPH, scholars from the University of the Philippines’ Institute of Human Rights, and international partners such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes.
“During the Pre-Write (workshop) Activity, Usec. Andres emphasized that the review process will be highly consultative and that they will ensure that the recommendations and positions of relevant stakeholders given during the 1st Drug Policy and Law Reform Summit held last July 2024 will be carefully considered,” the DOJ added.
“Opinions of subject matter experts, including human rights and health advocates, will also be sought,” the DOJ added.
