House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez is expected to discuss the accomplishments of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs before nine Asian nations during the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly scheduled meeting to be held in the country next week.
Alvarez said he will lead Philippine lawmakers in highlighting the country’s gains in the anti-drug campaign when the 10-member countries of the AIPA hold its 13th Meeting of the AIPA Fact Finding Committee (AIFOCOM) to Combat the Drug Menace at the Conrad Hotel in Pasay City on July 4 to 8, 2017.
Alvarez, who is AIPA president, said he will lead the efforts of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for stronger regional cooperation in the drive against illegal drugs.
Deputy speaker and Batangas Rep. Raneo Abu will present the Philippine Country Report in his capacity as head of Philippine delegation.
“We really have to concentrate on drug problem because it destroys the country’s peace and order,” Abu said.
Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, who is a member of the Philippine delegation as chairman of the House committee on dangerous drugs, said that “we have to be proud of what the President has been achieved in the fight against illegal drugs. Many lives are at stake because of this problem. Just recently the suspect in the San Jose del Monte Bulacan massacre admitted that he was high on drugs when he committed the gruesome killings of five members of a family.”
Barbers was referring to to the confession of suspect Carmelino “Miling” Ibañez who reportedly raped two of his five victims that he slaughtered.
Pursuant to its term of reference, the AIFOCOM should meet at least once a year, preferably in the country. The Philippines is host to the 38th AIPA General Assembly this year.
During the opening session of the AIFOCOM Meeting next week, Alvarez is expected to discuss this year’s theme of “Forging Inclusive Partnership Towards a Drug-Free ASEAN Community.
”The AIFOCOM meet in the Philippines this year is relevant and timely in view of President Rodrigo Duterte’s unrelenting anti-drug campaign.During the AIFOCOM meeting, the Philippines will present its country report, which includes the magnitude of our drug problem, law enforcement campaigns, drug control policies, laws and necessary policy reforms, preventive education and international cooperation, among others.
The AIFOCOM meeting will begin on July 5 with opening remarks by AIPA Secretary General Isra Sunthornvut and Speaker Alvarez’s welcome address.
