‘Move to legalize pot won’t prosper in Congress’

MANILA, Philippines - Any move to legalize the sale of marijuana in the country would not prosper in Congress, according to Senate Deputy Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III, one of the strongest advocates against the use of illegal drugs.

Sotto said that any proposal to legalize the sale or use of marijuana in the country “would undergo a worse fate than the RH (Reproductive Health) Law.”

Sotto, a former chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board, saw no merit at all in suggestions to emulate the state of Colorado in the United States, which recently allowed the recreational use of marijuana.

His campaign against the use of illegal drugs in the country was just as strong as his advocacy against the distribution of contraceptives, which was an integral part of the RH Law.

The provisions of the RH Law have not been implemented because of a restraining order from the Supreme Court, acting on petitions filed against the law.

Senator Grace Poe, chair of the Senate public order and dangerous drugs committee, said she would keep an open mind on the subject and hear the arguments for and against the proposal before making any decision.

Poe said that she would want to hear what the different sides would have to say about the legalization of marijuana in order to make an informed judgment on the issue.

“If there is a proposed bill, as chair of public order and dangerous drugs, we will conduct a public hearing. We will invite the Philippine Medical Association, the PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency), the PNP (Philippine National Police), teachers, parents among others to shed light and their opinions in case there is a proposed measure,” Poe said. – With Paolo Romero