Senator Sotto calls for creation of Presidential Drug Enforcement Authority

Senate President Vicente Sotto III has called for amendments to Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and proposed the creation of a Presidential Drug Enforcement Authority (PRDEA), citing the surge in drug-related acquittals.

In a privilege speech delivered on February 11, 2026, Sotto stated that from July 2022 to December 2025, 4,296 drug cases were dismissed, despite the seized illegal drugs being valued at ₱100 billion. He noted that the Philippines is the only country in the region with a statutory chain of custody rule, which he argued has contributed significantly to the high dismissal rate.

To address gaps in the law, the Senate leader proposed amending Section 21 of RA 9165 to allow the use of body-worn cameras or ordinary citizens as witnesses, instead of limiting testimony to the current mandatory categories.

“It is high time that we amend Section 21 of RA 9165. Instead of mandating that witnesses must be elected officials or representatives from the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the media in every operation, we can adopt a two-witness rule composed of ordinary citizens residing in the area, or allow the use of body-worn cameras in lieu of witnesses. There is also a need to streamline the marking requirements, especially during in flagrante delicto arrests,” Sotto, a well-known anti-illegal drugs and drug abuse advocate, said.

Section 21 of RA 9165 prescribes the procedures for handling seized dangerous drugs, controlled precursors, and essential chemicals. The law requires law enforcers to immediately conduct an inventory and photograph of seized items at the place of seizure or at the nearest police station.

The process must be witnessed by the accused or their representative, an elected public official, and a representative from the National Prosecution Service or the media. All witnesses are required to sign the inventory and receive a copy.

He also called for the establishment of the PRDEA, which will oversee and assist in the proper filing of drug cases and the assignment of lawyers in every precinct to ensure the strict enforcement of the law. He said the PRDEA would also unify enforcement, prosecution, prevention, and rehabilitation under one roof to promote a holistic and effective approach.

On the other hand, he emphasized that the government’s anti-drug campaign must rest on four pillars: prevention, enforcement, prosecution, and rehabilitation. He said that while enforcement efforts remain active, prevention programs are largely absent from school curricula, and rehabilitation initiatives have been sidelined.

“The scale of justice must be balanced. Enforcement and prosecution must be matched with due process to protect citizens from abuse of authority. It is time for a holistic reform in the whole-of-government approach to eradicate illegal drugs and drug abuse,” Sotto said.

-Paraluman News