By Benjamin Pulta
MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday said it has reaffirmed the Philippines’ eight-decade-old commitment to the United Nations to help eradicate the illegal drug problem.
“As the Philippines celebrates its 80 years of partnership with the UN as one of its founding members, we reiterate our commitment to multilateralism and the UN as the most vital platform for international cooperation to tackle our common challenges, including the world drug problem,” DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla told world leaders during the 68th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs.
The session is being held from March 10 to 14, 2025 in Vienna, Austria.
During the event, Remulla presented the human rights-based and public health-centered approach of the Philippines in controlling the drug problem under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Remulla also emphasized that prevention, education and having a comprehensive rehabilitation program for drug dependent individuals are the best ways to address the illegal drug problem.
“The results of all these efforts are encouraging. The 2023 National Survey on Drug Abuse in the Philippines has shown a decline in drug use prevalence, with the number of drug users decreasing from 1.67 million in 2019 to 1.47 million in 2023,” he said in his message.
The Justice chief also said at present, the Philippine government is conducting an executive review of the country’s drug policies while continuously employing a comprehensive “whole-of-nation” approach, integrating law enforcement, socio-economic, and health interventions to create an effective and unified response versus dangerous drugs for the benefit of future generations. (PNA)
