Sotto pitches a new 'holistic' anti-drug campaign
July 16, 2021 10:24 AM
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III proposes a new and more holistic anti-drug campaign.
“I’m proposing a program to really solve the problem of illegal drugs and drug abuse in the country and not the way it is being done now."
Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III said he would propose the creation of a new "holistic" anti-drug program, apart from the current administration's war on drugs.
“I’m proposing a program to really solve the problem of illegal drugs and drug abuse in the country and not the way it is being done now," Sotto said.
Senators Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Sotto went on a "Tour of Luzon" to consult with former and current government officials and businessmen about their plans on running for next year's elections, with Lacson for president and Sotto as his vice president.
During their trip, Sotto said that he still sees room for improvement on the current anti-drug campaign.
"It is lacking in many aspects. There must be a holistic approach in doing this,” he added.
Sotto cited Singapore's anti-drug campaign, which he said can be used as an inspiration to form a new anti-drug council in the Philippines.
In Singapore, if an individual is arrested solely for drug consumption, they are eligible for admission into a rehabilitation center for six months to three years. This, however, only applies to drug use, and not drug possession
Lacson added that the country can also learn from how Singapore's government runs its country.
"Isn't it a sound concept to run the government like a private corporation? For example, many consider Singapore a big 'corporation,' in the sense that investments by the people come back to them in the form of social services and other forms of public service," the senator said.
Anti-drug advocate since 1988
Sotto was chairman of the Quezon City Anti-Drug Abuse Council from 1988 to 1992, at which time, he was also the vice mayor.
From 2008 to 2009, Sotto chaired the Senate committee on illegal drugs as well as the Dangerous Drug Board of the Office of the President.
Sotto has twice received awards for his anti-drug efforts from the International Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association—the first in 1991, and the second in 1996.
