Manila: The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on Wednesday deliberated on a proposal to create a Presidential Drug Enforcement Authority (PRDEA), a measure lawmakers said could consolidate and further strengthen the country's anti-drug enforcement framework.

According to Philippines News Agency, presiding over the hearing Wednesday, Senator JV Ejercito said the proposal of Senate President Vicente Sotto III is part of broader reforms aimed at reinforcing the anti-illegal drug campaign while upholding institutional safeguards.

Ejercito emphasized the importance of strengthening institutions while respecting legal safeguards. He mentioned that reforms must ensure the upholding of the rule of law while enhancing the efficacy of anti-drug operations. Senate President Sotto's proposal includes overseeing the proper filing of drug cases and assigning lawyers in every precinct. It also aims to unify enforcement, prosecution, prevention, and rehabilitation under one authority to promote a comprehensive approach.

In addition to the creation of the PRDEA, the committee discussed amendments to Section 21 of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which addresses the handling and inventory of seized drugs. Sotto suggested easing the current witness requirements by adopting a two-witness rule composed of ordinary citizens or utilizing body-worn cameras instead of mandatory representatives from the Department of Justice or the media.

Meanwhile, Senator Erwin Tulfo introduced Senate Bill No. 1303, which seeks to remove the requirement for media representatives to sign the inventory of confiscated drugs. Tulfo stated that this measure would streamline the process by eliminating the need for media representatives as signatories in drug inventories.