Faced with the drug problem that has become a national security threat, President Duterte has issued Memorandum Circular No. 53 ordering all government entities, including government corporations and state universities and colleges, to “take an active role” in the campaign against illegal drugs.
“The drug problem continues to degrade the moral fiber of society, undermining the rule of law and has evolved as a national security problem,” Duterte said in the order mobilizing government resources on drug prevention and control signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea by authority of the President last Nov. 12.
“It is hereby DIRECTED that all government offices, agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and -controlled corporations and SUCs, to immediately mobilize their asserts and taken active role in the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign in accordance with their respective mandates,” he added.
The latest memorandum noted that the State has a policy to pursue an effective campaign against illegal drugs “through an integrated system of planning, implementation, and enforcement of anti-illegal drug abuse policies, programs, and projects.
It also cited that the President recently issued Executive Order No. 66 that institutionalized the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy amid the proliferation of illegal drugs in the country.
Under EO 66, government agencies have been directed to implement the national strategy on drug prevention and control that includes the implementation of a “drug-free workplace programs” and “authorized drug testing.”
“The proliferation of prohibited drugs and their precursors is a serious national concern, encompassing social, economic, psychological, and economic interests, which necessitates the active and unified involvement of various government and non-government agencies,” Duterte said in EO 66. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)
