Pubdate: Thu, 02 Dec 2004
Source: Manila Bulletin (The Philippines)
Contact:  http://www.mb.com.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/906
Author: Ben R. Rosario
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

ANTI-DRUGS LAW CITES MEDICAL USE OF MARIJUANA

Presidential son, Pampanga Representative Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo, was 
right after all.

Like many of his critics and colleagues in the House of Representatives, 
the young Arroyo may not be aware that a provision of the Dangerous Drugs 
Code actually acknowledges the use of marijuana for scientific, medical, 
and laboratory purposes.

It was for this reason that the neophyte solon answered in the affirmative 
when Ifugao Representative Solomon Chungalao interpellated him on the House 
floor on whether he would support a bill that would legalize the use of the 
highly addictive substance if it will be used for medical purposes.

Under the amended Dangerous Drugs Code, marijuana, opium, poppy, and other 
plants or materials and substances may be used for medical experiments and 
research purposes or for the creation of new types of medicines.

In an interview yesterday, Arroyo said his statements about marijuana use 
were taken out of context, especially by his critics, when he was actually 
against the legalization of the plant.

"If scientific studies will show that marijuana can cure or has vital 
medicinal values for the treatment of ailments, particularly cancer and 
other dreaded diseases, then I think its legalization should be explored, 
but strictly for the purposes," he said.

Arroyo was defending the budget of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 
when Chungalao rose on the floor to ask the sponsor if he would support a 
bill espousing legalization of marijuana for medical purposes.

The Pampanga solon was clear in his answer that if there is medicinal value 
derived from the plan, he would not oppose the idea.

Apparently satisfied with his answer and knowing fully well that such idea 
is already written in the Code, PDEA officials did not object.

It was at this juncture that opposition Representative Rodolfo Plaza 
manifested on the floor that the minority is categorically against 
legalization of marijuana or any other dangerous drugs.

"My only misgiving is that I did not declare a similar manifestation on the 
floor because I found nothing wrong with Plaza's statements. I have to 
charge this issue to experience because I am truly against the legalization 
of the use of marijuana or any other highly dangerous drugs for that 
matter," he said.

Actually, there remains no bill filed in the Lower House seeking the 
legalization of marijuana.
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