Pubdate: Thu, 19 Oct 2006
Source: Sun.Star Baguio (Philippines)
Copyright: 2006, Sunstar
Contact:  http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/bag/2005/02/27/index.html
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1942

MAYOR WANTS MANDATORY DRUG SUBJECT IN SCHOOL

CITY Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte insists on continuing  education on the 
ill-effects of illegal drugs for all  students in the city.

In his appearance before the Davao City Council last  Tuesday, 
councilors were asking the mayor how the  council could do its share 
in the fight against drug  problem.

Duterte said they could do so by creating an ordinance  that would 
make drug education mandatory for all the  school children.

"They must be informed as young as possible of the  ill-effects of 
these illegal drugs," Duterte said.

The mayor said only when the people, especially the  young, are well 
informed of the negative effects of  illegal drugs would there be 
hope in stopping this  growing problem.

Duterte admitted that the spate of summary executions  on suspected 
drug pushers in the city would not stop  the proliferation of illegal drugs.

He said a long-term plan is needed and education is the  key to 
achieving their mission.

Duterte said there is also the need for the Juvenile  Law to be amended.

He added that this new law is encouraging young  criminals to do more 
crimes since they are now  "over-protected" under such law.

"Juvenile law is a failure. It does not suit to the  realities of 
life. It favors young criminals and in the  end it will create 
anarchy," Duterte said of the law.

The law, Republic Act 9344, exempts minors below 15  years of age 
from criminal liability. Those 15 to 18  may only be charged, if they 
committed the offense,  knowing it was a crime. It took effect last May 2006.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Elaine