Lawmaker Urges DDB to Reflect Health-Centric Drug Approach in Budget

A LAWMAKER on Wednesday pressed the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) to ensure that the government’s planned shift toward a more health-centered approach to the drug problem is reflected in its budget and programs. During the House of Representatives’ plenary deliberations on the agency’s proposed 2027 budget, Party-list Rep. Renee Louise M. Co asked how the DDB translates the shift away from a primarily enforcement-based approach into actual allocations for treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration. “We want that shift to have a translation in the budget,” Ms. Co said, noting that large anti-drug allocations remain with other agencies involved in law enforcement, prosecution and detention. Marikina Rep. Marcelino R. Teodoro, DDB’s sponsor, said the board is pursuing a “balanced” approach based on three pillars: supply reduction, demand reduction, and health, social and developmental services. “We do not want the policy shift to be only a policy declaration,” he said. The DDB’s proposed P526.54-million budget includes P111.69 million for surveys, research and policy formulation, P169.18 million for prevention and control, and P24 million for advocacy and capacity-building, Mr. Teodoro said. He added the agency is coordinating with the Departments of Health, Social Welfare and Development, Education, and Labor and Employment to address the needs of people undergoing treatment and reintegration. The DDB is also working to improve access to treatment facilities, which he said remains insufficient. Meanwhile, Mr. Teodoro said the enhanced Philippine Anti-Illegal Drug Strategy is not yet final but is expected to be released by the end of the year. — Pexcel John Bacon