JAIL GODFATHERS IN ILLEGAL DRUG TRADE - LOREN

Sen. Loren Legarda yesterday challenged the government to prosecute some big-time traders, manufacturers and syndicate godfathers engaged in illegal drug trafficking to prove it was serious in eliminating the "worsening" illicit drug trade.

"I am alarmed by the disclosure of an asset of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency that illegal drugs, like shabu, is openly being sold in sari-sari or neighborhood stores in Taguig City," Loren said.

"If this is happening in Taguig, a part of the Metro Manila area, it must also be happening in many other urban areas and communities throughout our country, where the presence of police and other law-enforcers are not as visible or strong as in the metropolis," she averred.

"This gives credence to the recent report of the US state department's International Narcotics and Control Strategy that the illegal drug trade remains a 'significant problem' in the Philippines due to corruption and poor law enforcement," she said. The report slammed the Philippine government for failed efforts to disrupt major drug trafficking organizations and to dismantle clandestine drug laboratories and warehouses.

According to Loren, the open and blatant trade in illegal drugs in Taguig and in other parts of the country proves that the drug problem is "worsening." She stressed, "Our government and its law-enforcement agencies, led by the Department of Justice, should therefore intensify their efforts and undertake a no-nonsense drive to demolish the illegal drug trade and erase our image as the 'drug capital of Asia'. "

Loren pointed out that "our bad image as a 'drug capital' has been enhanced further by the Alabang Boys' drug scandal involving rich families in one of Metro Manila's plush residential areas. No less than strong positive results will convince our people and the world that our government is doing something decisive to solve the drug menace."

According to Loren, "The government should send some big-time illegal drug godfathers, manufacturers and traders to jail as an example. Illegal drugs are sapping the morale and energy of our people. It must stop."