Manila - In an effort to expedite the resolution of drug-related cases, a Philippine legislator proposed the establishment of specialized courts dedicated solely to handling these matters. Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers, who chairs the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, announced this initiative on Sunday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Barbers introduced House Bill No. 9446, aiming to create Dangerous Drugs Courts in every city and province nationwide. This move is seen as a response to the congestion of trial courts and a method to accelerate the disposition of pending drug cases. Data from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) revealed that from 2000 to 2022, over 405,062 drug cases were filed in courts, with only 28 percent, or 114,610 cases, resolved. Barbers expressed concern over the remaining 72 percent of cases still pending, highlighting the risk of further court clogging.
The legislator also noted the impact of the absence of drug courts on the destruction of seized drugs. He cited that as of a Dangerous Drugs panel hearing in March, the PDEA and the police were in possession of 8,662 kilograms of 'undestructed' shabu and 4,233 kilograms of marijuana, citing difficulties in obtaining necessary court orders for destruction. Barbers warned that this situation creates opportunities for corrupt practices, including the recycling of illegal drugs by rogue officers.