Drug war needs more than enforcement, says Philippine lawmaker

MANILA — The government must adopt a broader approach to combating illegal drugs that transcends enforcement operations alone, according to Marikina Rep. Marcelino Teodoro, who defended the Dangerous Drugs Board's P526.5 million budget allocation for 2027 during sponsorship remarks in the House on Wednesday.

Teodoro's statement underscores growing acknowledgment among policymakers that the country's drug control strategy requires multifaceted interventions beyond police and military operations. His position suggests support for complementary measures such as rehabilitation programs, prevention initiatives, and community engagement efforts.

The DDB, the government agency responsible for formulating and implementing the country's anti-drug policies, will receive the proposed budget to strengthen its operations and programs across enforcement, prevention, and rehabilitation sectors.

Teodoro's remarks reflect ongoing discussions in Congress about refining the Philippines' approach to drug control, balancing aggressive enforcement with rehabilitation and prevention strategies to address both supply and demand sides of the narcotics problem.