MANILA: Marijuana will remain illegal in the Philippines unless Congress amends the law, Malacañang said yesterday.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said under the Dangerous Drugs Act, marijuana is prohibited.
“It will remain as such until Congress amends it,” she said.
In a press conference, Valte was asked to react to the legalization of marijuana in the US state of Colorado. The law took effect on January 1, allowing the sale of marijuana for recreational purposes to state residents aged 21 or older.
Asked whether the Palace would support measures legalizing marijuana, Valte said: “We will answer you when the time comes, but as of the moment, the executive implements the law as it is.” But according to Senate Deputy Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III, any proposal to legalize the sale or use of marijuana in the country “would undergo a worse fate than the RH (Reproductive Health) Law.”
27 injured in Kalinga mishap
BAYOMBONG: Authorities blamed mechanical error for last Friday’s vehicular accident in Pasil, Kalinga, which left 27 of its passengers injured.
Police said jeepney driver Francisco Gumaa, 32, lost control of the vehicle after its engine conked out while cruising a mountainous road in the village of Cagaywan in Pasil town. Reports said the jeepney overturned and slammed the roadside, causing injuries to 27 passengers, among them two-year-old Roy Alanggi, the youngest, and 76-year-old Antonio Kundaya, the oldest.
As of press time, some of the victims were still being treated at the Kalinga Provincial Hospital in Tabuk City and Saint Paul Hospital in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.
Charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple physical injuries were being readied against Gumaa who gave himself up to authorities after the incident.
Farm manager found dead
BATANGAS: A 26-year-old female manager of a farm in Padre Garcia town this province was found dead with multiple stab wounds yesterday morning, police said.
Police suspect that Jackielyn Jose, manager of BMV Farm, could be a victim of robbery as her laptop, cell phone and P5,000 cash were missing. Ten people were invited for questioning. Probers were checking if she was raped before she was slain, as she was found naked in her comfort room at the farm.
Agencies
