READY TO LEAD
*Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros on Vice President Robredo's decision to co-chair the government's inter-agency anti-drugs body

I welcome Vice President Leni Robredo's decision to accept the offer to serve as co-chair of the Inter-Agency Anti-drugs Body. Despite the observation of many that she is being set up to fail, the Vice President's decision is extremely laudable. It demonstrates her readiness to lead and sacrifice for the people and provide better solutions to the country's drug problem.

I firmly believe that if Vice President Robredo is provided all the necessary powers and resources and given the full liberty to implement a public health approach coupled with a rights-based law enforcement strategy, she can do a much better job in responding to the drug problem.

I call on the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Justice (DOJ) and all relevant agencies to fully support the Vice President and follow her lead.

Naniniwala ako na kayang pangunahan ni Vice President Robredo ang kampanya laban sa droga na hindi abusado at korap, walang nadadamay at namamatay na mga inosente, maraming narerepormang mga buhay at walang iniilagang druglords gaya ni Peter Lim.