At a recent press conference held at the Citadines Bay City in Pasay City, senatorial candidates from the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas coalition shared their comprehensive plans to address the pressing issues of illegal drugs and crime in the Philippines. The candidates, who are part of the administration’s slate, emphasized the need for policy reforms and increased community involvement to effectively combat these societal challenges.
Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III proposed the creation of a new agency, the Presidential Drug Enforcement Authority, by merging the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB). Sotto, who authored the 20-year-old Dangerous Drugs Act that established the PDEA, believes that the new agency would streamline efforts in enforcement, prosecution, prevention, and rehabilitation.
Makati City Mayor Abby Binay highlighted the crucial role of village personnel as first responders to crime but pointed out the limitations in their manpower. She noted that the hiring of village patrols is capped at 20, which poses a significant challenge for larger villages like those in Caloocan City. Binay called for greater community engagement and empowerment of citizens to help maintain peace and order, arguing that relying solely on the police is too centralized.
Former Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. emphasized the potential of technology in crime prevention, particularly through the use of AI-powered surveillance systems. He cited the example of the United Arab Emirates, where interconnected CCTV cameras equipped with AI technology can identify suspects even if they attempt to disguise themselves. Abalos proposed integrating CCTV cameras from local government units and major highways to enhance tracking capabilities.
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino reiterated his unwavering support for the re-imposition of the death penalty, believing it would serve as a strong deterrent against heinous crimes.