Paradigm shift in the Philippine drug war
While acknowledging the seriousness of [the Philippines’] drug problem, I maintain with cogency that the bloody domestic war on drugs is not the only solution.
There are other viable alternatives available, in fact, more humane than killing thousands of alleged drug users and pushers. A paradigm shift is required and the direction should be toward treatment and prevention.
As a suggestion, why not focus on supply and demand? Demand creates its own supply. This means that if there’s demand for drugs, there’s supply.
The fact of the matter, in my view, is that the government is an “unwilling” partner of drug lords in creating demand for drugs. Its failure to create job opportunities for the unemployed may create more potential drug users and pushers. If people are unemployed, they will be enticed to engage in drug business as pushers or users because the siren call of profits from the illegal drug trade is alluring.
If the government promises treatment for drug addicts, rather than incarceration or “death penalty,” they would be encouraged to yield and turn over a new leaf because that would give them hope.
No amount of heavy-handed action like killing drug addicts will solve the problem. Remember, as long as there is demand for illicit drugs, someone will provide the supply.
Reginald B Tamayo
Metro Manila Asst City Council Secretary
Philippine Daily inquirer/ANN
