The Dangerous Drugs Board was created by virtue of Republic Act 6425 subsequently repealed by RA 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The new and stiffer law mandates the DDB to be the National policy-making and strategy formulating body on all matters pertaining to drug abuse prevention and control. As such, it issues implementing rules and programs, for compliance by all operating drug law enforcement bodies and other government agencies. It is, however, not limited to policy formulation as can be gleaned from its functions enumerated under Section 81 of the Drug Law.
 

NEWS

PRESS RELEASE
31 January 2012

DDB welcomes new Executive Director

Officers and employees of the Dangerous Drugs Board usher another year of insistent fight against dangerous drugs, with a new executive director.

President Benigno Aquino III has named retired Navy Admiral Jorge Necesito as acting Executive Director of the DDB, who will oversee the agency’s programs and supervise the Board’s secretariat.

Usec. Necesito is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (class 1973) and has previously served as Executive Director of the Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom).

He is a native of Umingan, Pangasinan and has served for more than 30 years in the Philippine Navy.

Sec. Antonio “Bebot” A. Villar Jr., DDB Chairman, welcomes the new member of the Board with high hopes that the government’s intensified efforts against drugs will continue and prosper.

Prior to Usec. Necesito’s appointment, acting as Officer-in-Charge of the Board’s secretariat was DDB Permanent Board Member Usec. Edgar C. Galvante.

Usec. Necesito assumed the post on January 25, 2012 in a simple turn-over ceremonies at the DDB office. He was officially introduced to the Board during its 140th regular meeting on January 31, 2012.

During the meeting, the appointment of a new Deputy Executive Director for Operations (DEDO) was also announced by the DDB Chairman.

The post with the rank of an Assistant Secretary will be assumed by Dr. Benjamin P. Reyes. He has been with the Department of Health as Program Officer of the Office for Special Concerns, the DOH office in charge of anti-drug abuse related programs like treatment and rehabilitation.

 

PRESS RELEASE
16 February 2011

Anti-drugs authority: opium poppy plant parts not for cooking, decoration

Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) chairman, Secretary Antonio A. Villar, Jr., stresses that using any part of the opium plant, even for food preparation and decorative purposes are punishable acts under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, R.A. 9165.

Reports of restaurants, bakeries, delicatessen and flower shops selling seeds, straws, flowers, leaves and other plant parts of the opium poppy prodded the DDB to remind establishment owners and consumers that they risk prosecution when found to have imported, sold and possessed parts of the prohibited plant, even if intended for culinary or decorative use.

Secretary Villar cited Article II, Sections 4, 5 and 11 of R.A. 9165  that consider the importation, sale and trade, and possession, respectively, of opium poppy plant parts as unlawful acts punishable by imprisonment of twelve to twenty years, or a lifetime, and fine ranging from 500,000 to 10 million pesos.

‘Opium’, the opium poppy plant’s sap, is a substance that when abused causes physical and psychological dependence.

“We urge the public remain committed to the anti-drug advocacy and be wary of risking prosecution because of using plant parts of the opium poppy,” Secretary Villar said.

DDB has coordinated with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Board’s law enforcement arm, to further its investigation on establishments that have been found to sell parts of the opium poppy plant.

The DDB is the policy-making and strategy formulating body of the Philippine government on matters to drug abuse prevention and control. It seeks to come up with responsive policies and socially-involving programs that address drug dependency in the country.

 

 

PRESS RELEASE
1 February 2011

Bishops, Pastors, Church Leaders, to preach against drugs

Officials and members of faith-based organizations in Metro Manila and nearby provinces pledge their commitment to the government’s anti-drug fight.

Through the support of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), the country’s lead agency on drug abuse prevention, leaders and members of faith-based organizations are now trained to lecture on drug abuse prevention skills. 

In line with Oplan: EDSA-ILAW, a project spearheaded by DDB Permanent Board Member, Usec. Grepor “Butch” Belgica, which aims to Eradicate Delinquency and Substance Abuse through the Implementation of the Law, bishops, pastors, and church leaders are being tapped by the DDB to be part of its pool of Resource Speakers who would educate people especially the youth on the evils of drugs. 

As anti-drug advocates, church leaders were oriented on the extent of the country’s drug abuse problem and the government response, policies and programs. They were also introduced to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 or RA 9165 and were also taught the medical ill effects of drugs.

They also underwent a training for effective parenting and life skills enhancement conducted by DDB on January 25-29, 2011. These are among the skills and ideas they will re-echo to the communities.   

The profile of drug abusers reveals that lack of parental guidance and basic life skills like self-esteem, decision-making, communication and assertion are among the top reasons for drug abuse.

The said training was the first among the seminars DDB plans to conduct for volunteers from faith-based organizations.

With the enlistment of church leaders as anti-drug warriors, the DDB believes that the advocacy will reach more and more Filipinos in the country.