Republic of the Philippines

TARLAC AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY

Camiling, Tarlac, Philippines

GRADUATE STUDIES

POLICY ANALYSIS
WAR ON DRUGS
By: KHRISTINE B. TAN

I. Introduction

Although our war on drugs must be fortified with the best laws,
enforcement efforts and resources, we would not be successful without your
individual commitment to this cause.
-Mel Carnahan

It is only through the cooperative efforts of every Filipino citizen can we

achieve a drug-free country. Without the help of every individual, drugs will still
prevail in victimizing people and families, crimes will still be committed by
people under the influence of illegal drugs, drug lords and manufacturers will
still supply the pushers and users. This kind of war requires a great decision
from all of us. If we are not against illegal drugs, then we are for it. Being
complacent is not an option to peace; its a choice to be for drugs.

The nature and evolution of the drug business and the policies designed to
counter it are intimately linked. The illegality of the drug economy - defined as
such in a number of United Nations' Conventions - has turned the drug
business into the most extensive and profitable commodity market in the world.
The criminal techniques employed in drug trafficking today have evolved and
developed in response to changing counterdrug strategies, and vice versa.
The result has been a virtual arms race, increasingly involving military,
intelligence and specialized police units in the fight against drugs. On the one
hand, this has led drug trafficking networks to further professionalize,
improving techniques to both subvert their opponents and to strengthen their
power within the political system. Only the strongest drug trafficking
organizations can survive - those with the best political and social connections.
It should come as no surprise, then, that increasingly the world drug trade is
carried out with institutional consent, often even under the control of sectors
within the military, police or intelligence agencies.

II. Objectives of the Analysis:

1. To reduce illegal drug trade to subdue supply and decrease demand for
certain psychoactive substances which, as the government considers, can
bring harm.
2. To prevent drug-related crimes.
3. Support parents and adult mentors in encouraging youth to engage in
positive, healthy lifestyles and modeling behavior to be emulated by young
people.
4.Strengthen law enforcement including federal, state, and local drug task
forces to combat drug-related violence, disrupt criminal organizations, and
arrest and prosecute the leaders of illegal drug syndicates.
5.Promote national adoption of drug-free workplace programs that emphasize
a comprehensive program that includes: drug testing, education, prevention,
and intervention.
6. Support and promote the education, training, and credentialing of
professionals who work with substance abusers.

III. Discussion/Presentation of the Policy

Drug trafficking is a global problem, an illicit trade that involves the

manufacture, cultivation, distribution and sale of prohibited substances. While
every nation in the world works hard to fight against drugs, drug trade is still a
booming business. The dynamics of drug trafficking is simply incredible in the
sense that consumption and distribution continues to rise even with continuous
efforts to curb drug-related crimes and offenses. One of the major causes of
crime in the Philippines is related to drugs. Thats why the present
administration of President Duterte prioritized the War on drugs campaign.
 In a bid to reduce the illegal drug trade, a campaign of drug prohibition,
military intervention, and military aid was established. It includes effective drug
policies that are designed to discourage distribution, consumption, and
production of psychoactive drugs that were made illegal by the UN and
participating governments.
While declaring war on drugs seems to be logical, opponents think it might
be a waste of time and resources. Some claim that criminal acts are a
consequence of drugs being declared illegal. Because people cant acquire
these substances through official channels, they will resort to illegal production,
distribution and consumption.

IV. Analysis of the Policy:

A. Primary sectors affected by the policy/impactees

1. Family
2. School Children
3. Out of School Youth
4. Community/Government

B. Beneficial Impacts
1. Direct
a. Culprits will be penalized.
b. Encourage drug users to reframe or stop using illegal drugs.
c.To stop the manifacturing business of illegal drugs.
d. Helps create a place that is drug free.

2. Indirect
a. Lessen drug related crimes.
b. Widespread corruption.

3. Residual
Government Employees are working together to improve their
offices and cooperate actively to the LGUs in monitoring their
personnel ho are involve in illegal drugs.
 c. Adverse Impacts

1. Direct

a) Increases risk on the lives of policeman and military.

b) Increase racial tension.

2. Indirect

a) Innocent people maybe killed or charge without further

investigation.
b) Human rights can be violated using coercive power.

3. Residual

a) There are few police officers and government employees

are using drugs and committed crimes.

d. Gravity of the Impact

Beneficial. With the cited benefits derived from adopting the
provisions, the impacts are considered high since the goal of this is to
improve the quality of the Government authorities who are supporting war
on drugs campaign.
Adverse. The adverse impact is considered medium because trainings
and seminar will enhance the program and later on every arm forces
commits no error with proper dissemination and workshops to be done by
the government.

e. Enhancing Measures for Beneficial Impacts

1. Restore death penalty
2. Conduct seminars or trainings to promote healthy life style and
construct more rehabilitation center.
 3. Provide more check points and CCTVS camera.
4. Provide activities that will enhance skills or talents of youth like
games, livelihood programs.

f. Mitigating Measures for Adverse Impacts:

1. Provide high- tech facilities and equipment for the arm forces.
2. Treat and investigate people fairly.

V. Concluding Statements:

To reduce illegal drug trade to subdue supply and decrease demand for
certain psychoactive substances which, as the government considers, can
bring harm. This initiative comprises many policies and laws issued for
impeding the distribution, production, and consumption of these substances.

VI. REFERENCES

file:///C:/Users/INTEL/Downloads/ASA3561102017ENGLISH.pdf

https://www.ddb.gov.ph/images/NADPA_2015-2020_final_draft.pdf

https://www1.essex.ac.uk/hrc/careers/clinic/documents/War%20On%20Drugs
%20and%20Crimes%20Against%20Humanity%20in%20the%20Phillipines.pd
f

https://www.ateneo.edu/sites/default/files/attached-files/Anti-Drug%20Campai
gns_PolicyReport.pdf

https://www.ateneo.edu/sites/default/files/attached-files/Summary%20and%20
Extrajudicial%20Killings%20in%20the%20Philippines%20%28AHRC%29%20
-%20UPR%203rd%20Cycle.pdf

https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/report_pdf/philippines0317_web_1.pdf
http://www.sanbeda-alabang.edu.ph/bede/images/researchpublication/Bedan
Review/16._Kill_Them_All_The_Governments_War_on_Drugs_-_Bedan_Rev
iew_Vol._V.pdf