Manila: Almost half of the drug cases filed since the start of the Marcos administration in July 2022 have resulted in a conviction, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the PDEA announced that through its intensified legal coordination and case build-up efforts, 837 cases or 46.45 percent of the 1,802 drug cases filed by the PDEA between July 2022 and August 2025 have resulted in a conviction. Meanwhile, 462 cases or 25.64 percent were dismissed, and 503 cases or 27.91 percent resulted in an acquittal.
PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani Nerez stated that the agency has shifted its strategy from purely operational enforcement to a justice-centered approach. This new focus places greater emphasis on the legal outcomes of anti-narcotics operations and convictions, particularly targeting high-profile drug traffickers, drug offenders, and those linked to money laundering syndicates. Nerez emphasized, “We are not just counting arrests, we are focused on convictions. Every conviction is a victory for justice and a message to drug syndicates that they will face the full force of the law.”
The PDEA continues to collaborate closely with the National Prosecution Service (NPS) to ensure that every anti-drug case brought to court is well-founded. “Our fight does not end with the arrest, it ends when justice is served and drug offenders are behind bars where they belong,” Nerez stated. He further highlighted that this achievement aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines), where the rule of law is fair, impartial, and accessible to all Filipinos.
In 2024, the Department of Justice issued the Rules on Criminal Investigation, which ensure that only cases with strong, prosecutable evidence proceed to trial. This measure aims to bolster confidence in the justice system’s integrity. Nerez urged, “We call on every Filipino to take a stand. Protect your communities. Report drug-related activities, and help us build a safer, drug-free Philippines.”
Nerez expressed his belief that the current conviction rate serves as a strong deterrent to those involved in drug trafficking and related crimes. “These numbers speak louder than words. They show that our institutions are working, and that no one is above the law,” he added.
