Pubdate: Sat, 27 Nov 2004
Source: Manila Standard (Philippines)
Copyright: 2004 Manila Standard
Contact:  http://www.manilastandardonline.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3450
Author: Romie A. Evangelista, Ignacio Dee, Christine F. Herrera, Jaime 
Pilapil, Fel V. Maragay, Rey E. Requejo, Jing Villamente
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

MARIJUANA PLAN TRIGGERS UPROAR

Say no to drugs.

The First Son and Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo has withdrawn 
his plan to sponsor a bill seeking to legalize marijuana and make the 
Philippines a major exporter of what is popularly known as "grass" also 
called weed, pot and "MJ."

As expected, the Catholic Church slammed the proposal to generate revenues 
from the cultivation of marijuana.

"It is embarrassing that our honorable lawmakers would resort to such a 
proposal. After marijuana, what other prohibited drugs will follow?" said 
Lingayen-Pangasinan Archbishop Oscar Cruz.

Cruz vowed to investigate the real motives behind the revenue generating 
proposal saying money is not all that counts.

Arroyo said he was on record as against the legalization of marijuana in 
any form although he said it can still be considered for medicinal use.

He issued the statement after two of his colleagues - Reps. Gilbert Remulla 
of Cavite and Juan Miguel Zubiri of Bukidnon - expressed opposition to his 
proposal because it might exacerbate the drug menace.

Arroyo and Ifugao Rep. Solomon Chungalao expressed their intention to 
sponsor a bill to legalize the cultivation and use of marijuana.

Commitment

As this developed, the Dangerous Drugs Board and the Philippine Drug 
Enforcement Agency reminded members of Congress that the Philippines is a 
signatory to the 1961 United Nations Convention placing marijuana in the 
list of dangerous drugs.

"The country, being a signatory to the UN convention, should honor its 
commitment to fight all forms of dangerous drugs. We will be violating that 
commitment if the proposal to legalize marijuana pushes through," said 
Retired Gen. Edgar Galvante, executive director of DDB.

PDEA spokesperson Col. Bernardo Bondoc said this is not the right time to 
legalize the growing, processing and exporting of marijuana although the 
plant does have medicinal effects.

"That it has medicinal effects must be proven first. We might have bigger 
problems in the future if we do not have a solid reason to legalize it. We 
now have big problems over all forms of illegal drugs. How much more if we 
legalize marijuana?"

No Mama's Boy

In Malacanang, Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye said President 
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will not dissuade her son from initiating the bill 
despite the risk of stirring a controversy that may embarrass the 
administration.

"Congressman Arroyo has expressed an independent view which must be 
considered and respected like all views expressed in democratic debate," 
Bunye said.

Bunye stressed that more than anybody else, she respects her son's 
independence and his right to speak his mind.

The Philippine National Police also doesn't think the proposal is funny.

"We have our reservations because of the long-term effects (of marijuana 
use). The proposal is something to be restudied because drug users form 
their bad habits by first using low-grade substances," said PNP Deputy 
Director General Ricardo de Leon.

Menace

At least four senators have rejected Arroyo's proposal even as they 
recognize the medicinal properties of marijuana.

"The problem is that our country does not have the ability to police that 
(abuse). I don't think the country is ready for controlled or regulated use 
of marijuana," said Senator Pia Cayetano, chairman of the Senate committee 
on health and demography.

Cayetano said the government has no ability to effectively limit or control 
the use of marijuana to consumption for medical and therapeutic purposes.

Three other senators - Rodolfo Biazon, Ramon Revilla Jr. and Vicente Sotto 
III - also opposed the proposal but Senator Sergio Osmena III expressed no 
objection provided that "the sale and distribution of marijuana will be 
placed under strict government regulations."

PNP Director General Edgardo Aglipay said the Philippines now exports 
marijuana and shabu to Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia 
and other countries in Asia-Pacific.

PNP said the sale of illegal drugs is now a P280-billion industry with 1.8 
million dependents hooked on illegal substances. Another 1.6 million are 
occasional users. "The drug industry is even bigger than the pharmaceutical 
and petroleum industries," Aglipay said.
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