MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker is seeking to impose stiffer penalties against individuals who would commit drug-related offenses during a pandemic, calamity, or similar emergencies.
House Bill No. 8042, filed by Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez, sought to amend Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and introduce heavier penalties against violations committed during a pandemic or calamity.
Rodriguez said that despite the raging health crisis, the drug problem in the country “still persists and could be considered to have worsened.”
Citing data from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Rodriguez said a total of 4,354 drug offenders were arrested, wh…
Keep on reading: Heavier penalties for drug offenses during pandemic, calamities sought