The DOJ represented by Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes T. Andres, and the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) represented by its new head, Secretary Oscar Valenzuela, led the first Pre-Writeshop Activity for the year in connection with the executive review of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended.

The executive review of the law is pursuant to the policy pronouncement of the President to address the country’s drug problem in a more balanced and comprehensive manner, focusing on both enforcement and rehabilitation, and with a "whole-of-government" that incorporates not only law enforcement but also social services and multi-faceted interventions including community-based rehabilitation, education, and reintegration programs for drug offenders.

Since the government likewise expressed interest in working with international partners in the fight against illegal drugs while respecting human rights, the government-led policy review is participated in by non-government organizations and civil society groups [Drug Policy Reform Initiative (DPRI), NoBox, StreetLawPH], the academe (University of the Philippines’ Institute of Human Rights), and international partners such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC).

During the Pre-Writeshop Activity, Usec. Andres emphasized that the review process will be highly consultative, and that they will ensure that the recommendations and positions of relevant stakeholders given during the 1st Drug Policy and Law Reform Summit held last July 2024 will be carefully considered. Opinions of subject matter experts including human rights and health advocates will also be sought.

Finally, both Usec. Andres and Secretary Valenzuela emphasized that the output of the executive review – a proposed bill amending RA 9165 – should ensure that it is evidence-based, backed up by studies, data and statistics, and aligned with international standards and best practices.