Pubdate: Sun, 10 Mar 2002
Source: Sun.Star Baguio (Philippines)
Copyright: 2002, Sunstar
Contact:  http://www.mapinc.org/media/1942
Website: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/affiliate.php3?locid=2
Author: Harley Palangchao

SENATOR WARNS CONGRESS ON DRUGS LAW AMENDMENT

SENATOR Vicente Sotto III has expressed apprehension over the proposed
lowering of the minimum weight of drugs on arrested possessors to qualify
for the death row, saying this could "be very dangerous."

Sotto, former chair of the Senate Committee on Drugs, on Saturday said the
on going amendment to Republic Act 6428 or the Dangerous Drugs Act which
seeks the lowering of the weight of drugs seized on a person from a minimum
of 200 grams to only 99 or five grams "would be very dangerous (as) we might
be prosecuting innocent people."

Earlier, 18 senators voted to pass a new dangerous drugs bill that would
impose the death penalty on anyone caught with at least 99 grams of shabu,
which is actually half of the 200 grams specified in the existing law.

The House of Representatives, on the other hand, has approved recently on
first reading a proposed bill which seeks to lower the minimum weight of
drugs from 200 to only five grams, according to Baguio Rep. Mauricio
Domogan.

As this developed, Sotto told reporters during his visit to the Philippine
Military Academy that these proposed bills might be subjected to a heated
debate even as expressed optimism that the Senate will maintain the minimum
200 grams.

"We know the objective of the proposed bills but legislators should also be
warned of its applications. Natitiyak ko na marami ang magiging biktima ng
planted evidence pag nagkataon," he added.

Sotto instead recommended that legislators should support a proposal which
seeks the creation of a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. He did not
elaborate.

Earlier, Domogan bared that a recent study conducted by the United Nations
in coordination with anti-drug agencies revealed that the Philippines is now
the "shabu capital of the world."

Domogan was quick to explain, however, that the Philippines is not the
biggest producer of shabu around the world only that it has become the
center of shabu trade worldwide.

The Baguio solon also expressed alarm over reports reaching his office that
a shipment of shabu, which was unloaded at an unnamed seaport, has been
transported to the city for distribution.

"This report is very alarming considering its implications to Baguio
residents and students," Domogan stressed.
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MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk