Bohol Solon opposes marijuana bill

TAGBILARAN CITY , Philippines  â€” Bohol 2nd district Rep. Aris Aumentado has expressed strong opposition to a proposed House Bill seeking to legalize the Philippine use of marijuana for medical purposes.

Aumentado contended that, if this bill is enacted, it would only aggravate the already worsening drug problem in the country.

The congressman told The Freeman that the bill, which will be filed in March by Isabela Rep. Isabelo Albano III, is a mere “duplication” of HR No. 499 (otherwise known as “Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2013”), and that it is not practical and applicable in the Philippine setting.

“Our law enforcement agencies are already overburdened with solving the problem of illegal drugs in the country and enacting a law that would legalize the use of marijuana would just add headache to the authorities,” he said.

Aumentado feared that if the use of marijuana becomes legal, even if it is only for medical purposes, the law would be vulnerable to abuse and misuse. “It would be easy for criminals to raise the defense of medical purposes whenever they are arrested in the possession of marijuana,” he added. (FREEMAN)