TIIAIIII, I,NTIII
ITAIIING r{EWSPAPEB
TIIE I{ATION's
W"dnT!"t,,FSt!"tY
House leimposes death
penal$ on drugs
The House of Representatives has reimposed
death penaltv in the country's
tjris time, providing the capital puni
House reimposes death...
persons found in possession of danger-
ous drugs during parties, social gather-
ings and meetings.
This is coniained in House Bill
8909 thatproposes to amend Republic
Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous
Drugs Act of 2002). The measure was
approved on third and final rea{ing
with u2 aflirmative and zero nega-
tive votes.
HB 8909 consolidated many Pro-
visions of at least 15 bills seeking
to amend the dangerous drugs law.
Authors include RePs. Rozzano Ru-
fino Biazon (PDP-Laban, Muntinlupa
Citg; Winston Castelo (PDP laban,
Quezoncity); Alfredo Garbin and
Rodel Batocabe (Ako Bicol Partylist)
and former president now Speaker'
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, among
others.
Section 13 of the bill Penalizes a
person found possessing any danger-
ous drug during a Party or a social
gathering or meeting attended by two
ormore individuals with life imprison-
ment or death.
A fine ranging from F5 million to
F10 million regardless of the amount
of seized narcotics will also be im-
posed.
HB 8909 seekb to further strength-
en drug prevention and control bY
providing legal PresumPtion on
those who are considered importer,
financier and protector or coddler of
illegal drugs.
Negligent lessors whose ProPer-
ties have been turned into a drug
laboratory, drug den and venue for
other illegal drug act'ivities are alsq
penalized.
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If a property is owned bY a third
person and is used as a den, dive,
or resort to commit violation of the
provisions of RA 9165, criminal li-
ability will be extended to the partner'
oresident, director, manager trustee.
estate administration or officer of the
corporation or partnership who con-
sents to or tolerates such violation.
. Mandatory drug test
The bill directs the Office of the
Ombudsman and the Civil Service
Commission to investigate cases of
acquittal of drug cases to determine
whether or not these were bungled
by the prosecutor, investigator or
concerned arresting offl cers.
The bill also mandates Profes-
sional and non.professional athletes
to undergo mandatorY drug tests at
least twice a year. Those found posi-
tive ofdrug use will be suspended and
subjected to further investigation by
appropriate government agencies
The proposed measure also grants
immunity to state wltnesses who
appear to be the least guilty but can
testify to personal knowledge and info
'necessary for the conviction of other
drug suspects.
There is likewise a Presumption
of ptanting of evidence against law
enforcers if the rules of procedure
and/or engagement for arrest, search
and seizure have not been comPlied
wiih.
There is also a Presumption of a
person as financierifshe or he causes
the payment, underwrites and sup-
plies the money for planting. main-
tenance and operation of marijuana
planlation and drug laboralories.