PB approves anti-drug abuse commission on first reading

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Board yesterday approved in first reading the proposed ordinance creating the Cebu Provincial Anti Drug Abuse Commission.

As co-sponsors of the proposed ordinance, Board Members Jose Ribomapil Holganza, Jr. and Thadeo Ouano stood as sponsors in the absence of the proponent, Board Member Carmen Remedios Durano-Meca, during yesterday’s session.

Meca is also the chairperson of the PB committee on dangerous drug abuse and prevention.

The Philippine Councilors League – Cebu chapter led by Meca in its stakeholders and partners consultation workshop last month came up with a recommendation to set up a permanent body to sustain all anti-drug abuse programs and projects in the province.

It was pointed out that there is a need to develop the Task Force on Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse to enable it to sharpen its focus on the burning issues and concerns on drug abuse as well as to strengthen the coordination among institutions, individual and law enforcement agencies.

The Commission will be composed of the Office of the Governor, PB committee on anti-drug and substance abuse; youth and sports development; barangay affairs and rural development; Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 7, Cebu Provincial Police Office, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development; Bureau of Jail Management and Penology; Provincial Prosecutor’s Office; Provincial Legal Office; Provincial Health Office and private sector representatives.

It was also proposed to appropriate P2 million as initial funding for the operations and programs of the Commission.

In 2003, then Governor Pablo Garcia issued Executive Order 2003-08 creating the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Task Force.

In 2004, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia issued Executive Order No. 10, extending the effectivity of the order her father has issued.

Police Senior Superintendent Teofilo Siclot, deputy provincial director for operation, claimed that the police do not have financial capability to sustain anti-drugs operations.

Siclot, who heads the Task Force, admitted that the value of illegal drugs specifically shabu has increased. However, they conduct buy-bust operations between big time pushers through “budol” money.

“Budol” money is a wad of papers cut in a rectangular shape wrapped in a real bill to make it appear genuine.   - (THE FREEMAN)