House members pushed for a congressional inquiry into the proliferation of marijuana infused e-cigarettes or vapes after the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) monitored a rise in the product’s presence nationwide during its latest anti-illegal drugs operations.
During a press briefing, Deputy Speaker Jay-Jay Suarez, Davao Oriental Representative Cheeno Miguel Almarrio, Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong, La Union Representative Francisco Paolo Ortega V, and AKO BICOL Party-list Representative Jil Bongalon agreed that the issue is very concerning and merits a congressional inquiry.
Almario said the Committees on Health, on Trade and Industry, and on Dangerous Drugs would most likely take the lead in conducting a joint investigation into the marijuana-filled vapes issue.
The legislator believes that the matter is not an isolated incident.
“Case in point, I believe it was the UK which has had reports of these substances being used, and more popularly now, in the countries that allow the medical use and consumption of marijuana, some companies have gone as far as to extract oils for them to be used in vape devices,” the lawmaker said.
With this information, law enforcers can be encouraged to check the practices outside the country to get a clear image as to what should be looked for within the country.
Adiong also backed the suggested probe.
“I will support that because I’m more concerned with illegal drug trafficking in the country. Nagiging creative na rin ‘yung mga illegal drug traffickers. I really want Congress to dig deeper into this,” the legislator said.
The lawmaker warned that illegal drug traffickers may ride on the vape fad.
“Masyado na silang creative in order for them na makuha ‘yung market and then increase their sale.”
“They see that (vape fad) as a good market to capitalize on, … kasi masyado na silang creative in order for them na makuha ‘yung market and then increase their sale,” he said, citing the need for a law to penalize those engaged in the manufacture, sale and importation of marijuana-infused vapes in the country.
Suarez added it is necessary for the country to ensure that proper safeguards are in place against marijuana-filled vapes, recalling hearings being conducted on the proposal legalizing medical cannabis.
“The proliferation of laced vape with THC or with marijuana… just goes to show that we need to improve the safeguards.”
“The proliferation of laced vape with THC or with marijuana… just goes to show that we need to improve the safeguards so that hindi ma-abuse yung isang controlled substance dito sa ating bansa,” the legislator said.
The lawmaker also supports any probe to be conducted by the House and called on the PDEA and other enforcement agencies and bureaus to step up and improve investigative mechanisms, particularly the entry of the substance into the country.
“And of course, at the end, ‘yung talagang dapat nakikita natin nasa likuran na sila ng rehas yung mga taong nasa likuran neto,” he said.
Bongalon said any inquiry should identify the technology used in the proliferation of marijuana-infused vapes.
“We know that as technology advances, nagiging creative din ito pong mga illegal drug dealers natin in a way not to be identified or hindi po sila makikita agad na pinapasok nila sa vape and making it appear that this is just a usual e-cigaratte ano. So, this should serve as a reminder to everyone, especially to the youth, to the students, that the use of marijuana is still illegal. Although there are talks to amend the RA 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act, as amended, wherein there are talks to legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes,” the legislator said.
Ortega called for the arrest of all those responsible for the distribution of marijuana-filled vapes in the country.
“In Singapore… dinedemanda po yung mga kompanya na nagdi-distribute po ng ganyan. So I think with the investigation being referred to Congress as well, we can explore things like that para po yung mga kompanyang yan, kung ginagamit man sila para mag create ng mas modern ways of dealing with drugs, ay dapat po masampolan na talaga yung mga yon,” the lawmaker stressed.
