Pubdate: Tue, 30 Nov 2004
Source: Sunstar General Santos (Philippines)
Copyright: 2004, Sunstar
Contact:  http://www.sunstar.com.ph/gensan/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2450
Author: Edwin G. Espejo
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

SOLONS REJECT BID TO LEGALIZE 'GRASS'

SENATOR Manuel Villar and Sarangani Rep. Erwin Chiongbian on Sunday said 
they are strongly opposed to a proposed bill that would legalize the use of 
marijuana.

"Hindi tama 'yun (That is not right)," Villar told reporters during a press 
conference Sunday noon.

Villar however admitted that he has not seen the proposed bill and read it 
only through the newspaper.

But he already gave assurances that the proposed measure, if passed by the 
House of Representative, would "not move even at the committee level."

Last week, several newspapers and television stations reported that 
Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo allegedly sponsored a bill that would legalize 
the use of marijuana.

Marijuana (cannabis sativa) is an intoxicating plant but is being used as 
medicinal herb to cure various ailments.

Modern medicine uses cannabis in glaucoma and alleviating the pains of 
cancer and chemotherapy.

But it also produces narcotic chemicals that are highly intoxicating and 
numb the senses of intoxicated users.

It causes the dilation of the pupils and redness in the eyes.

Dried marijuana leaves are often smoked by drug dependents.

It is classified as a prohibited drug although a few states in the US have 
already legalized it.

Villar said it would be dangerous for the country to legalize marijuana 
given an alleged report from US authorities that the Philippines is now the 
third largest illegal drug exporter in the world.

Chiongbian on the other said the government should guarantee that the youth 
are free from illegal drugs and that legalizing marijuana would only 
destroy the moral fibers of the society.

Chiongbian said he was informed that the proposed bill sponsored by Rep. 
Mikey Arroyo, son of President Arroyo, was already referred to the 
appropriate committee in the House of Representative.

But like Villar, the Sarangani solon said he has not seen a copy of the 
proposed bill.

South Cotabato and Sarangani count as two of the provinces.
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