WATCH: Sotto says rave parties enable the illegal drug trade

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Vicente "Tito" Sotto III on Tuesday said so-called rave parties enable and facilitate the illegal drugs trade.

In a privilege speech on the deaths of five people at a recent concert party in Pasay City, Sotto condemned the trade in illegal drugs and said that party drugs are openly peddled and consumed at such events.

Sotto, a former chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board, clarified that he does not mean to restrain the youth from having fun but wants to protect them and keep them alive.

Watch an excerpt of Sotto’s privilege speech at the Senate:

Text by Rosette Adel; Video by Efigenio Toledo IV