THERE was no need for President Rodrigo Duterte to certify as urgent the measure allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes, Malacañang said on Thursday, January 31.
This was the statement of Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo after the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading the proposed measure legalizing the use and research of medical marijuana in the country.
Panelo was confident that the Senate would also pass its version of the bill.
"That (House's approval of medical marijuana bill) is good for those who are sick. The President has always said that he is in support of marijuana being used as a healing mechanism or medicine," the Palace official said in a press conference.
"He does not have to because they are bent also on passing that," he added, when asked if Duterte is considering certifying as urgent the measure allowing the use of medical marijuana.
In previous interviews, the President said he was personally in favor of legalizing medical marijuana.
The House of Representatives on Tuesday, January 29, approved on third and final reading House Bill 6517 or the proposed Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act, seeking to provide "compassionate and right of access to medical cannabis," as well as to expand research into medicinal properties.
The bill, however, faces rough sailing in the Senate.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III earlier said a law on the use of medical marijuana is no longer necessary, noting that the Food and Drug Administration can already issue "special permits." (SunStar Philippines)