Theoretical Framework The increasing number of arrested drug traffickers, seizures of big volumes of dangerous drugs, controlled precursors

and essential chemicals and dismantling of clandestine laboratories since the conception of the Philippine drug enforcement agency show the extent and impact of the drug abuse and drug trade problem in the Philippines. in an attempt to put an end to the illegal drug trade, the president repealed the dangerous drugs act of 1972 or RA 6425. The comprehensive dangerous drug act of 2002 (R.A. 9165) provides for stiffer penalties for illegal drug possession and pushing. it imposes capital punishment on those convicted for selling, trading, trafficking, importing and cultivating dangerous drugs and their controlled precursors. The comprehensive Dangerous Drugs act of 2002 or Republic Act No. 9165 is a consolidation of senate bill no. 1858 and house bill no. 4433. Otherwise known as the dangerous drugs act of 1972, as amended, and providing funds for its implementation. under this act, the Dangerous Drugs board (DDB) remains as the policy-making and strategy-formulating body in planning and formulation of policies and program on drug prevention and control. it also created the Philippine drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) under the office of the president, which serves as the implementing arm of the DBB, shall be responsible for the efficient and effective law enforcement of all the provisions on any dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals as provided in this act. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/comprehensive_dangerous_drug_act_of_2002. retrieved august 12, 2012) Republic Act No. 9165, an act instituting the comprehensive dangerous drugs act of 2002, repealing republic act no. 6425, otherwise known as the dangerous drugs act of 1972, as amended, providing funds therefore, and for other purposes. Stated in Section 2 of this Act:

It is the policy of the State to safeguard the integrity of its territory and the well-being of its citizenry particularly the youth, from the harmful effects of dangerous drugs on their physical and mental well-being, and to defend the same against acts or omissions detrimental to their development and preservation. () Toward this end, the government shall pursue an intensive and unrelenting campaign against the trafficking and use of dangerous drugs and other similar substances through an integrated system of planning, implementation and enforcement of anti-drug abuse policies, programs, and projects.() It is further declared the policy of the State to provide effective mechanisms or measures to re-integrate into society individuals who have fallen victims to drug abuse or dangerous drug dependence through sustainable programs of treatment and rehabilitation. (www.pdea.gov.ph. Retrieved August 12, 2012) The Philippine Government regards the menace posed by organized crime as one of the obstacles in countrys quest for peace and progress. In her July 2002 State of the Nation Address, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo vowed to build a strong republic: by enhancing peace and order, she went on to promise that drugs lords would be considered enemies of the state. Following the Presidents announcement, National Security Advisor Roilo Goilez declared the drug menace as Public Enemy No. 1of the entire Filipino people. Recognizing the need to further strengthen existing laws governing Philippine drug law enforcement system, President Arroyo signed into law on June 7, 2002 Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Acts of 2002. This law defines more concrete courses of action for the national anti-drug campaign and imposes heavier penalties to offenders. It also includes the creation of the Philippine Drug enforcement Agency (PDEA), patterned after the US Drug Enforcement Agency.

Later on June 18, 2003, the President also issued Executive Order (EO) No. 218 to strengthen the support mechanism for the PDEA. The president recognized the urgent need to pursue a forceful, intensive and unrelenting campaign against drug trafficking and the use of illegal drug whether syndicated or street level. The EO also provides for the creation of a task force to support PDEA in their campaign against illegal drugs. The following are the sections stated in this Executive Order: SECTION 1. Creation of Task Forces. The Office of the President, the PNP and other agencies which were performing drug law enforcement and prevention functions prior to the enactment of R.A. No. 9165 shall organize anti-drug task force to support the PDEA. SECTION 2. Supervision and Support. The PDEA shall exercise operational supervision and provide technical support to the main task force created by the PNP. () SECTION 3. Funding. Funds for the operation of the task forces shall be sourced from the mother agencies creating the task force and from the gross receipts of lotto operations. () SECTION 4. Repeal. Executive Order No.206 dated May 15,2003 is hereby repealed. All orders, rules, regulations and issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Executive Order are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. SECTION 5. Effectivity. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately upon approval. (www.pdea.gov.ph. Retrieved August 12, 2012) The aforementioned Republic Act and Executive order have supported the researchers study for better understanding on how the government response to the problem of illegal drug use and trade through implementations of laws and programs for the betterment of the Filipino people.