Drug

Education ·Narcotics- drugs that relieve pain and often induce

WHAT IS DRUG? sleep. Examples: Opium and its derivatives such as
Morphine, Codeine, Heroin.
A drug is a chemical substance that brings about
physical, emotional or behavioral change in a person
taking it.

WHAT DRUGS ARE COMMONLY ABUSED?

Drugs that are commonly abused depending on their

pharmacological effects may be classified into:
WHEN IS DRUG HARMFUL?
Stimulants- drugs which increase alertness and physical
disposition. Examples: Amphetamine, Cocaine, Caffeine, Any drug may be harmful when taken in excess. Some
Nicotine. drugs can also be harmful if taken in dangerous
combinations or by hypersensitive (allergic) persons in
· ordinary or even small amounts.

ARE PRODUCTS OTHER THAN DRUGS EVER ABUSED ?

Yes, substances like glue, paint thinners, gasoline and

other volatile (breathable) solvents contain a variety of
dangerous chemicals. They should be sold and used
Hallucinogens (also called psychedelics) – drugs which with caution.
affect sensation, thinking, self awareness and emotion.
WHAT IS DRUG ABUSE?
Changes in time and space perception, delusions (false
beliefs) and hallucinations may be mild or Drug abuse is the use of any chemical substance, licit or
overwhelming, depending on dose and quality of the illicit, which results in an Individual’s physical, mental,
drug. Examples: LSD; Mescaline and Marijuana or social impairment.

It may refer to any of the following practices:

Using, without benefit or prescription, useful drugs

which have the capacity to the mood or behavior.

Using drugs and substances for a purpose different from

the one from which the dru has been prescribed.
·Sedatives- drugs which may reduce anxiety and
excitement. Examples: Barbiturates, non-barbiturates, Using drugs and substances having no legitimate
Tranquilizer, Alcohol medical application for purposes other than research.

WHY DO PEOPLE TURN TO DRUGS?

 There are various reasons- ranging from the reason ·Panic Reaction -The loss of thought processes can
that “medicines” can solve problems, to widespread cause panic reactions or feelings of invulnerability. Both
access to various drugs, to “peer pressure” to the of these states can lead to injury and death. The
notion that drugs give enjoyment to users and in the prolonged harmful reactions include anxiety and
context that is used as an alcohol substitute. depressive states, or breaks with reality which may last
from a few days to months.

HOW CAN YOU TELL WHEN ONE IS ABUSING DRUGS?

WHAT ARE THE ILL-EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE?
A lot of changes in behavior, in appearance and in
mood-occur in a person who is abusing drugs. Sudden Physical damages - In addition to those diseases which
changes occur in the person’s disposition from pleasant accompany the use of unsterile syringes and
to unpleasant: contaminated drugs may cause certain medical
problems. Liver and kidney damage may result when
HOW CAN YOU TELL WHEN ONE IS ABUSING DRUGS? large quantities are taken. Many who abuse drugs also
 Is often associated with known drug abusers neglected personal hygiene, which can lead to multiple
 Is irritable, discourteous, defiant and aggressive health problems. Kidney failure hepatitis, drastic weight
 Is untrustworthy and lacks self confidence loss, and vitamin deficiencies are some of the adverse
 Is unhealthy and unconcerned with good physical complications.
grooming The life of drug abusers is dreadful one. To support the
 Has a low frustration tolerance habit they resort to committing crimes like stealing,
 Lacks Interest in his studies/ work prostitution and gambling, which hamper their
 Blames everybody but himself for his problems emotional maturation.
 Prefers his “barkada” where he feels accepted
 Frequently goes to odd laces (to take drugs) WHAT CAN A PERSON DO TO PREVENT DRUG ABUSE?
 Unusually wear sunglasses at inappropriate
time • Maintain good physical and mental
 Unusual borrowing of money and at Limes health
stealing various items • Use drugs properly. Most drugs are
 Has abrupt changes in overall attitude beneficial when used under medical
 Develop changes in attendance in school or at advice.
work
 Develop changes in normal capabilities in • Understand your own self. Accept and
school/ work. respect yourself for what you are.

WHAT ARE THE ILL-EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE? • Develop your potentials. Engage in
wholesome, productive and fulfilling
Drug abuse leads to medical and health problems. activities
The physical complications depend to an extent on the
specific drug. Its source and the way it is used. Among • Learn to relate effectively to whom you
the physical and mental complications associated with can communicate your problems freely.
drug abuse are:
• Learn to cope with your problems and
·Malnutrition – The lies of drug dependents revolve other stresses without the use of drugs.
around drug abuse. They miss their regular meals
• Seek professional help if you feel you
because they lose their appetite.
cannot cope with your problems.
 • Develop strong moral and spiritual 5. Keep to a regular routine (sports, reading, socializing
foundations. with people who don’t use drugs).

HOW CAN YOU AVOID DRUG ABUSE What is Republic Act No. 9165?

• Feel better about yourself believe that Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9165, otherwise known as
you are unique, valuable, capable and the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which
lovable. was passed into law on June 7, 2002, overhauls the 30-
year old Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972. The new law
• Find ways by which you can turn your Increases penalties for drug related offenses while
weaknesses into strengths placing more emphasis on the rebuilding of lives
• Find out what is really important through rehabilitation and treatment.

• Make effective decisions use your The law is primarily designed to safeguard the well
intuition- do what you feel is right. Or being of its citizenry especially the youth from the
use reason work out what is involved, harmful effects of dangerous drugs. Its provisions
the outcome you want, your opinions, against the use of dangerous drugs show the intent of
the risks you will take. Then decide and the present legislature to pursue an intensive and
act. Finally, review you decision. unrelenting campaign to eliminate the drug menace and
reintegrate its victims into society.
HOW CAN YOU KICK THE HABIT OF DRUG ABUSE?
PROHIBITED ACTS
1.First of all, you have to want to change
What are the considered unlawful by the Act?
2.Next, you have to be clear about exactly what you
want to change, e.g. stop taking marijuana, shabu, etc. The law imposes the penalty of shall import or bring
in to death and a fine extending to P10 million on
3.Draw u a plan based on what you know about persons who the country, see, administer, trade,
yourself. dispense, deliver, distribute to another any dangerous
drugs. The same is true for those who shall maintain a
4.Take one step at a time.
den, dive, or resort where any dangerous drug is used
5.Stick to it. or sold, and against those who shall engage in the
manufacture of dangerous drugs.
6.If you don’t stick to it, change the plan.
R.A. 9165 likewise imposes capital punishment to
7.Reward yourself for your efforts. those who shall possess any of the following
dangerous drugs:
HOW CAN YOU MANAGE THIS CHANGE?
• 10 grams or more of opium
1.Understand that you have to go through a range of
feelings in any major change. Don’t deny your feelings; • 10 grams or more of morphine
let them out.
• 10 grams or more of heroin
2.Ask other people to help you your parents, your
fiends, your family doctor, your teacher or your spiritual • 10 grams or more of cocaine or cocaine
director. hydrochloride

3. Know what you want from the change. • 50 grams or more of methamphetamine
hydrochloride or “shabu”
4. Relax.
 • 10 grams or more of marijuana resin or CHEMICALS
marijuana resin oil
Illegal Chemical ₱100 T - ₱500 T 12 YEARS AND
• 500 grams or more of marijuana Diversion of ONE (10) DAY TO
Controlled 20 YEARS
Precursors and
Essential
Chemicals

Possession of ₱500 T - ₱10M LIFE

Dangerous Drugs IMPRISONMENT
• 10 grams or more of other dangerous
During Parties, TO DEATH
drugs such as but not limited to the Social Gatherings
MDMA oг “ecstacy”, PMA, TMA, LSD, or Meetings
GHB and those similarly designed or
newly introduced drugs and their Possession of ₱10 T - ₱50 T SIX (6) MONTHS
derivatives. Equipment, AND ONE (1)
Instruments, DAY TO FOUR (4)
UNLAWFUL ACTS FINE IMPRISONMENT Apparatus and YEARS
Other
IMPORTATION OF ₱500 T - ₱10M LIFE Paraphernalia for
DANGEROUS IMPRISONMENT Dangerous Drugs
DRUGS AND/OR TO DEATH During Parties,
CONTROLLED Social Gatherings
PRECURSORS AND or Meetings
ESSENTIAL
CHEMICALS Use of Dangerous NONE FOR 1st SIX (6) MONTHS
Drugs OFFENSE IN
SALE: TRADING: ₱500 T - ₱10M LIFE ₱50 T - ₱200T REHABILITATION
ADMINISTRATION IMPRISONMENT FOR 2ND CENTER
: DELIVERY: TO DEATH OFFENSE MINIMUM FOR
TRANSPORT AND THE FIRST
DISTRIBUTION OF OFFENSE
DANGEROUS SIX (6) MONTHS
DRUGS OR IN
CONTROLLED REHABILITATION
PRECURSORS CENTER
MINIMUM FOR
MAINTENANCE OF ₱500 T - ₱10M LIFE THE FIRST
A DEN, DIVE OR IMPRISONMENT OFFENSE
RESORT TO DEATH
Cultivation of ₱500 T - ₱10M LIFE
EMPLOYEE AND ₱100 T - ₱500 T 12 YEARS AND Culture of Plants IMPRISONMENT
VISITORS OF A ONE (1) DAY TO Classified as TO DEATH
DEN, DIVE OR 20 YEARS Dangerous Drugs
RESORT
Possession of ₱10 T - ₱50 T SIX (6) MONTHS
MANUFACTURE ₱500 T - ₱10M LIFE Equipment, AND ONE (1)
OF DANGEROUS IMPRISONMENT Instruments, DAY TO FOUR (4)
DRUGS AND/OR TO DEATH Apparatus and YEARS
CONTROLLED Other
PRECURSORS AND Paraphernalia for
ESSENTIAL Dangerous Drugs
 A person who can give information for violation off
Failure to ₱10 T - ₱50 T one (1) YEAR Sections 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 13 and 16 of R. A. 9165, or those
Maintain and AND ONE (1) committed by a syndicate or give information leading to
Keep Original DAY TO SIX (6) the whereabouts, Identities and arrest of all or any of
Records of YEARS
the members thereof and who willingly testify against
Transactions on
Dangerous Drugs such persons shall be exempted from prosecution or
and/or Controlled punishment he must also meet the following conditions:
Precursors
• The information and testimony given
Unnecessary ₱100 T - ₱500 T 12 YEARS AND are necessary for the conviction of the
Prescription of ONE (1) DAY TO persons described above.
Dangerous Drugs 20 YEARS
• Such information and testimony are not
Unlawful ₱500 T - ₱10 M LIFE yet in the possession of the State.
Prescription of IMPRISONMENT
Dangerous Drugs TO DEATH • Such information and testimony can be
corroborated on its material points

• The informant or witness has not been

What are considered Dangerous Drugs? previously convicted of a crime
involving moral turpitude.
• The term dangerous drugs pertains to
those listed in the schedules annexed to • The informant or witness shall follow
the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic any condition imposed by the State
Drugs, as amended by the 1972
Protocol, and in the Schedules annexed Who are required to undergo Drug Testing?
to the 1971 Single Convention on
Psychotropic Substances enumerated
the attached annex of R.A. 9165. • Applicants for Driver’s License

• R.A. 9165 gives a single definition to • Applicants for firearm’s license and permit to
dangerous drugs, removing the carry firearms
distinction between prohibited and
regulated drugs. The old law defines the • Students of secondary and tertiary schools
term “dangerous drugs” as pertaining • Officers and employees of public and private
to either “prohibited drug” or a offices
‘regulated drug”
• Officers and members of the military, police and
Can the accused plea- bargain or invoke the Probation other law enforcement agencies
Law?
• All persons charged before the prosecutor’s office
A person charged under any provision of R.A. 9165 shall of a criminal offense punishable with imprisonment
not be allowed to avail of the provision on plea- of not less than six (6) years and one (1) day.
bargaining. Persons convicted for drug trafficking or
pushing under this law cannot avail of the privilege • Candidates for public office whether appointed or
granted by the Probation Law. elected in the national and local government

Can a violator of R. A 9165 still save himself from going .

to jail?
Who shall conduct the drug testing?
 Any government forensic laboratory or any drug - PARTICIPATION OF THE PRIVATE AND LABOR SECTORS,
testing laboratory accredited and monitored by the DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT (DOLE)
Department of Health shall conduct drug tests. AND THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

What is the responsibility of DOLE, private companies

and the labor sector?

Private companies should adopt a national drug abuse

ROLES OF FAMILY, STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND SCHOOL prevention program in the workplace developed by the
AUTHORITIES DOLE. The program should include company policies
 The family shall educate, make family members against drug abuse after consulting with the DOLE, labor
aware of the illegal effects of drues and closely and employer organizations and human resource
monitor family members who may be prone to development managers.
drug abuse. What is the role of labor organizations?
 Student councils and campus organizations
should include their activities a program for the Labor unions, federations, associations or organizations
prevention of drug use and the referral of drug- should include in their collective bargaining agreements
dependent students for treatment and (CBAs) programs and information campaigns for
rehabilitation. laborers against illegal drug use.
 School curriculum of public and private schools
should include instruction on drug abuse, What is expected of the local government units?
prevention, and control. 1.Local governments should allocate a substantial
 As persons in authority, school heads, portion of their annual budgets to assist in the
supervisors and teachers can apprehend arrest enforcement of the R.A. 9165.
or cause the arrest of any person who violates
any of the unlawful acts enumerated in Art. Il of 2.A city or municipality may create an administrative
R.A. 9165. board to hear complaints regarding public nuisances.

What is expected from the Department of Education A place, which had been used twice or more as the site
and other government agencies in the education of the unlawful sale or delivery of dangerous drugs, may
sector? be declared to be public nuisance. The city or
municipality may then create an administrative board to
·The Department of Education and the Technical hear complaints regarding this.
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
shall develop, publish and distribute information, and What is expected of the local government units?
support educational materials on dangerous drugs for
1.Local governments should allocate a substantial
students, faculty, parents and the community
portion of their annual budgets to assist in the
What is the Special Education Center enforcement of the R.A. 9165.

A special education center shall be established in 2.A city or municipality may create an administrative
each province to sponsor drug- prevention programs board to hear complaints regarding public nuisances.
and information campaigns and educate the out-of-
A place, which had been used twice or more as the site
school youth and street children on the harmful effects
of the unlawful sale or delivery of dangerous drugs, may
of drugs.
be declared to be public nuisance. The city or
municipality may then create an administrative board to
hear complaints regarding this.
PROGRAMS FOR DRUG TREATMENT AND What will happen to the records of those under the
REHABILITATION Compulsory Submission Program?

R.A. 9165 provides for both a voluntary submission For individuals successfully rehabilitated and discharged
program and compulsory confinement for the under the compulsory program, their records remain
rehabilitation and treatment of drug dependents. confidential and cannot be used against them. In
contrast, if someone fails to rehabilitate or escapes
How will the drug dependent benefit from this without returning within the allowed time, their records
program? will be sent to the court, which will decide on their use.
Aside form benefiting from treatment and
rehabilitation, the drug dependent shall also be exempt
from the criminal liability imposed for drug use. What will happen to a first time minor offender?
However the applicant should meer the following
requirements: The sentence of an accused, who is over 15 years when
found in possession of dangerous drugs (Section 11) but
• Compliance with rules and regulations not more than18 after judgment against him is
of the rehabilitation center rendered, may be suspended

• Has not been charged or convicted of To avail of the privilege, the minor should meet the
any offense under R.A. 9165 or R.A. following:
6425 or the Revised Penal Code
✓Has no previous conviction under R.A. 9165 and/or
• Has not escaped from the center the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972

Poses no threat or danger to himself, his family and the ✓ Has not been previously committed to a center or to
community DOH-accredited physician

How does the Compulsory Confinement work? ✓ Favorable recommendation by the Board for a
suspended sentence
Any person found to be dependent on dangerous
drugs shall, upon petition by the Dangerous Drug Board, During the suspension period, the offender is under the
be confined for treatment and rehabilitation. A petition Board’s supervision for 6 to 18 months. If compliant, the
for confinement may be filed by any person authorized court discharges them. Non-compliance leads to
by the Board with the Regional Trial Court. sentencing, but the court may choose probation or
community service instead of jail.
The court shall issue an order of commitment to the
treatment and rehabilitation center. THE DANGEROUS DRUGS BOARD AND THE PHILIPPINE
DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY
A person charged with an offense where the imposable
penalty is imprisonment of less than sis (5) years and What are the functions of the Dangerous Drugs Board
one (1) day, and is found by the prosecutor or by the and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency?
court to be a drug dependent may also be committed
under the Compulsory Submission Program. The on- The Dangero’s Drug Board is the policy-making and
going case shall then be suspended and records will be strategy-formulating body in the planning and
transmitted to the Board. The latter will then file à formulation of programs on drug prevention and
petition before the court for the drug dependent's control. It is composed of 17 members to ensure wider
confinement. presentation. It shall promulgate rules and regulations
to carry out the provisions of R.A. 9165.
R.A. 9165 also mandates the creation of the Philippine What will happen to a government official or
Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). This shall serve as employee who fails to appear as a witness?
the implementing arm of the Board and will carry out
the national drug campaign. Any member of the law enforcement agencies or any
government official or employee who, after due notice,
The PDEA shall have custody of all dangerous drugs fails or intentionally refuses to appear without valid
seized, and establish forensic laboratories in each PNP reason as witness for the prosecution of drug cases shall
office. It shall cause the filing of the appropriate criminal be imprisoned for 12 years and one (1) day to 20 years
and civil cases for violation of all laws on dangerous and made to ay a fine of P500,000 or more.
drugs. It is also required by R.A. 9165 to establish and
maintain a national drug intelligence system.

What will happen to existing drug offices? What will happen to those who delay the prosecution
of cases?
The present Secretariat of the National Drug
Enforcement and Prevention Coordinating Center shall Any government officer or employee tasked with
be modified and absorbed by the PDEA. the prosecution of drug-related cases who, through
patient laxity, inexcusable neglect, unreasonable delay
The PNP Narcotics Group, the NBI Narcotics Division and or deliberately, causes the unsuccessful prosecution and
the Customs Narcotics Interdiction Unit are abolished dismissal of the said cases shall be imprisoned for 12
but they shall continue with their task as detail service. years and one (1) day to 20 years.

They will continue to discharge their functions until such OVERSIGHT AND MONITORING FUNCTIONS
time that the organizational structure of the PDEA is
fully operational and the number of PDEA Academy What is the composition and function of the
graduates is sufficient. Congressional Oversight Committee?

R.A. 9165 creates a Congressional Oversight Committee.

It is composed of seven members each from the Senate
What is the role of the PDEA Academy? and the House of Representatives. The Committee shall
be headed by the respective chairpersons of the Senate
The PDEA Academy shall be responsible for the Committee on Public Order and Illegal Drugs, and the
recruitment and training of PDEA agents and personnel. House Committee of Dangerous Drugs.
Graduates of the PDEA Academy shall later comprise The oversight Committee shall set the guidelines to
the operating units of the PDEA. monitor and ensure the proper Implementation of R.A.
PROSECUTION OF CASES 9165. It shall submit periodic reports to the President
and Congress the determine inherent weaknesses in the
What court shall hear and try drug cases? law and recommend the necessary measures.

The Supreme Court shall designate special courts from

among the existing Regional Trial Courts in each judicial
region to try and hear cases involving violations of R.A.
9165.

The Department of Justice, on the other hand, shall

designate special prosecutors who will handle these
cases.