War on drugs: Critical analysis of the legislation of other countries and their implication to Republic Act Number 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed to critically analyze the legislation of other countries and its implication to Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Specifically, this study aimed to determine the salient provisions of the legislations of Portugal, Switzerland and Netherlands and their effects on the War on Drugs of these countries. It also aimed to determine the salient provisions of Republic Act No. 9165 and its effects. Lastly, it aimed to determine the implication of the War on Drugs of other countries and its implication to R.A. No. 9165. The Philippine drug policy adheres to the strict and orthodox approach which emphasizes more on punishment and on treating drug offenders as criminals. The approach implemented by Switzerland, Portugal and Netherlands are more liberalized and focuses more on treatment, prevention and cure rather than treating drug addicted individuals as offenders or criminals. It is therefore concluded that each country, in lieu with the circumstances revolving their current War on Drugs has implemented their own means and legislations to cater the growing rate of drug use and addiction. It is thus best to determine the conditions and nature surrounding the drug problem and the acceptability, practicality and necessity of the drug policy before its implementation.