House OKs proposed budgets of DDB, PDEA

The House of Representatives has approved the proposed budgets of Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for 2009 amounting to P180 million and P636 million, respectively.

DDB Chair Vicente “Tito” Sotto III lauded congressmen from both majority and minority blocs for their overwhelming support to the proposed budget increases for the anti-narcotics offices.

“As a matter of fact, they feel that these agencies should have more budget – being aware of the drug menace in the Philippines and the need for strong enforcement of the law to beat the problem,” he said.

During the plenary hearing on the budget of DDB and PDEA presided by Deputy Speaker Simeon Datumanong, Sotto told congressmen he plans to intensify alternative development, treatment and rehabilitation programs as part of the agency’s demand reduction strategy. Sotto added the DDB will also focus on civic awareness and response, regional and international cooperation.

“It’s now the Senate’s turn and I feel that we will get the same enthusiastic support that we had in the House of Representatives,” he said.

PDEA director general Dionisio Santiago welcomed the budget increase, saying they sought an additional P127 million for this year’s allocation for capital outlay and additional fund for rewards and show money for operations.

Sotto said his plans for next year include reviving the preventive education for elementary students, wherein police officers would discuss the dangers and problems of drug abuse and drug pushing to fifth and sixth graders.

He also clarified that the current street value of methamphetamine hydrochloride, the illegal drug known as shabu, has ballooned to only P4,000 per gram – and not P15,000 per gram as earlier reported. – Edu Punay