THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said it respects the introduction of a Senate bill that seeks to establish a Presidential Drug Enforcement Authority (PRDEA) and enhance the campaign against illegal drugs.
In a statement issued on Monday night, PDEA said it respects the “intention and purpose” of Senate Bill 190, which was introduced by Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.
The bill seeks to amend Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which Sotto authored.
Specifically, the bill not only calls for the creation of the PRDEA but also seeks to abolish the PDEA and the Dangerous Drugs Board.
“PDEA respectfully defers to the collective wisdom of our lawmakers and expresses confidence in the deliberative process of the Senate to arrive at a decision that best serves the interest of the public,” PDEA said.
Meanwhile, PDEA said it will continue leading efforts against illegal drugs across the country.
During his State of the Nation Address last month, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reported that P83 billion worth of illegal drugs have been seized during the first three years of his administration, nearly surpassing the drug haul of the previous administration in six years.
Marcos said more than 153,000 drug personalities were arrested during his term, including 9,600 high-value targets.
“While acknowledging the potential implications to its fate, PDEA will continue to lead the national anti-drug campaign, never lacking in intensity and fervor,” PDEA said.
PDEA yesterday reported the seizure of 8.19 kilos of shabu and 52 ecstasy tablets, and 4.25 kilos of dried marijuana leaves, and uprooting and destruction of 78,800 marijuana plants during 56 operations conducted from July 25 to August 1.
The operations also resulted in the arrest of 97 suspects.
PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez said the accomplishment “reflects PDEA’s unwavering commitment to eradicating the scourge of illegal drugs.
“We will continue to intensify operations, targeting not just street-level peddlers but also the financiers and suppliers fueling this drug menace,” said Nerez.
Nerez said PDEA will continue to collaborate with agencies “to dismantle drug trafficking networks nationwide.”
“We work in quality, not in numbers. PDEA must hold drug suppliers accountable, ensuring they are brought to justice and held under the full weight of the law,” said Nerez.
“This is not just about statistics—this is about the dignity, safety, and future of every Filipino,” Nerez also said.
