Reaffirming the country’s determination to cooperate and collaborate with regional and international counterparts in order to promote a drug-free society, the Philippines has been compliant with the Three Main International Drug Control Conventions namely the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 as amended by the 1972 Protocol, the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971 and the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988 with the unified goal to reduce the adverse health and social consequence of drug abuse.
To assure alignment to current international and national plans, the Philippines continue to develop mutually beneficial dialogue and cooperation with international and regional organizations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).
The most recent engagement was held on 10 November 2020 with the INCB. Drug harm reduction and psychotropic substance issues continue to be a vital part of our external dialogues. Bearing in mind the crucial role of exchange of information and data to improve effectiveness of existing frameworks.
The Philippines also continue to engage with UNODC in strengthening and developing capacity-building and partnership with Intergovernmental Organizations and other related stakeholders.
It also strengthens its partnership with ASEAN counterparts and continues to contribute to efforts to combat the drug menace in the region.
The Philippines actively participates in promoting a drug-free ASEAN. The ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD) has been the main ASEAN body responsible for handling drug-related matters. For 2019, the Philippines chaired the Preventive Education Cluster with the main objective of protecting children and youth from drug abuse. The country has been actively involved in high-level discussions with other Member States to further promote regional cooperation. Member States recognizes the need for regional cooperation in formulating policies and initiating activities against illegal drugs.
Strengthening cooperation with international and regional partners is necessary to ensure effective and efficient implementation of all international drug policy commitments to combat the world drug problem.