Lacson-led committee to start hearings on anti-drug bills next week

At least three proposed laws seeking to fight the scourge of illegal drugs top the priority list of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Illegal Drugs chaired by Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson.

Lacson said the committee will also draw up a schedule for tackling 16 bills and resolutions referred to it.

"I plan to start conducting public hearings next week," he said, adding he is inclined to prioritize:

- Senate Bill No. 3, creating the Presidential Anti-Drug Authority (PRADA)

- Senate Bill No. 21, authorizing the wiretapping, surveillance and recording of communications of pushers, manufacturers or cultivators and importers and financiers of dangerous drugs

- Senate Bill 48, authored by Lacson, which expands the list of crimes - including drug-related offenses - where wiretapping is allowed

Lacson said the committee may tackle these three bills in one hearing.

Present at the organizational meeting were Senators Leila de Lima, Gregorio Honasan II and Emmanuel Pacquiao.