PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte might want multiple "safeguards" to deter possible abuse in the planned legalization of marijuana for medical purposes, MalacaƱang said on Monday, March 11.
This was what Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo had to say, three days after the Chief Executive rejected the proposal to legalize medical marijuana.
In a press conference, Panelo said Duterte may have said that, since the President admitted that he is unaware of the benefits of medical marijuana.
"I'm not sure exactly -- on his statement -- whether it was a general change of mind or he's only referring to specific," Panelo said when sought for reaction on Duterte's latest stance on the plan to legalize marijuana for medical use.
"Pwede rin naman na kaya niya sinabi 'yun, baka kailangan ng maraming safeguards [para hindi magamit sa masama ang pag-apruba ng medical marijuana]. Kasi nga baka gamitin niyo lang 'yan later on. Kung walang safeguards talagang puputok 'yan," he added.
(It's also possible that he said it because perhaps, there's a need to look for multiple safeguards to prevent possible abuse, once medical marijuana is approved. Because it might be used later on by others for some illegal activities. If there are no safeguards, it will likely happen.)
Speaking before his audience in Negros Occidental on Friday, March 8, Duterte made an about-face when he turned down the proposed legalization of medical marijuana.
Duterte had previously favored the proposal to legalize marijuana for medical use but not for recreational purposes.
But in his latest speech, the President alluded that allowing the use of medical marijuana would only give other lawbreakers the reason to plant the cannabis.
"I am ignorant of that kind of research. I must admit and I do not read it, and I do not intend to legalize it. Ayaw ko. Gawin mo lang excuse 'yan eh. Tatanim ka ng iyo, sabihin mo medicinal man kaya ito. Kaya 'yan ang... Sinabi ko na, kinulong ko 'yan sila," he said.
(I am ignorant of that kind of research. I must admit and I do not read it, and I do not intend to legalize it. I don't like it. You'll take is as an excuse. You'll plant one and say it's for medicinal purposes. I will put you to jail.)
Duterte's statement came after the House of Representatives on 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.
Panelo said Duterte made the remarks, since the latter has "no knowledge on the medical findings on marijuana.
"Dahil hindi alam ni President, by his own admission, baka kailangan mapaalam kay Presidente 'yung importance ng legalization with respect to specific cases of sickness. Kumbaga, 'yun lang limited na limited ang use. Kasi noon pabor siya sa limited use, eh," he said.
(Perhaps, we need to inform the President of the importance of the legalization of medical marijuana with respect to specific cases of sickness, since the President, by his own admission, admitted that he doesn't knew its medical benefits. Perhaps, the use is very limited. And before, he's in favor of limited use.)
"I'll ask him kung ayaw niya nang outright o ano lang, confined na confined kung ano'ng safeguards (I'll ask him if he doesn't like it outright, or if it is confined to safeguards)," he added. (SunStar Philippines)