MERLIZA M. MAKINANO
THE Philippines has been reported as a point of origin, transit and destination of illegal drugs. In 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte cited that “… drugs have destroyed the lives of many people, relationships and marriages, a problem that has been the root of criminalities, and breakdowns on families.” The President was also quoted recently stating that, “drugs still abound,” and that he considered “… shabu as a national security threat, and among the top problems in the country.” He had previously declared his intention to “... solve decisively this problem,” adding, “Or else, the 3 million 700 thousand (drug addicts and drug pushers) will compromise the next generation of Filipinos.”