MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Leni Robredo wants to change some of the government’s program against illegal drugs in order to eliminate alleged senseless killings being attached to it.

The Vice President also welcomes the Palace’s decision to give her free reign over the administration’s campaign against drugs.

However, instead of just dictating to all members of the Inter-Agency Committee In Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) on what to do, Robredo is giving them the freedom to formulate new programs that are aligned with the government’s new approach against illegal drugs.

“I’d rather (allow) law enforcers (to) conceptualize more effective na programa para may ownership sa programa (programs so they would have ownership of the programs),” Robredo said.

“Mahirap ang parang dikta lang tayo ng dikta (It’s seems improper to just dictate them of what to do),” she added.

Meanwhile, the Committee on Dangerous Drugs of the House of Representatives is willing to cooperate with Robredo on whatever recommendations she has as co-chairperson of ICAD.

“Of course, this will entail a lot of costs,” noted Dangerous Drugs Committee Chairman, Surigao del Norte 2^nd District Rep. Robert Barbers.

“Kaya nga kung kinakailangang taasan ang budget ng ICAD ay tutulong ang aming kumite sa pagla-lobby sa Committee on Appropriations na pataasan ito (If there is a need to increase ICAD’s budget, our Committee with help lobbying to the Committee on Appropriations to increase it),” he added.

Robredo also said she is open to hearing anyone who wishes to help solve the country’s problems on illegal drugs. – MNP (with details from Vincent Arboleda)

MANILA, Philippines – At least 4,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFW) and their dependents attended the 9^th OFW and Family Summit held on Tuesday at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

The event, with the theme “Kabuhayan sa Sariling Bayan,” highlighted the concepts of financial literacy and entrepreneurship as well as business start-ups and trends.

The summit was spearheaded by the Villar Family through its foundation, the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (Villar SIPAG), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and other government and non-government agencies.

“Masaya po kami dahil napakaraming kababayan na OFW ang nagpunta at nagpakita ng interes sa mga livelihood or business opportunities dito sa Pilipinas na maaari nilang paglagyan ng kinita nila abroad para magkaroon ng sariling kabuhayan dito sa atin,” Sen. Cynthia Villar said in a separate statement.

“Gusto talaga namin na maraming mahikayat na ang katuparan ng mga pangarap ay hindi lamang makukuha kapag tayo ay nag-abroad. Pwede din tayong magtagumpay sa sariling bayan natin,” she added.

Resource persons invited to the summit from various agencies discussed topics on financial literacy and provided guidance on how to seize opportunities and become entrepreneurs.

“Iyon ang intention namin na in the future na babalik sila sa Pilipinas, dapat y’ong mga pamilya nila, mayroon ng hanapbuhay na naghihintay sa kanila para pwede na silang mag-retire at mag-operate na lang dito sa Pilipinas.” Villar told reporters on the sidelines of the summit.

“Hindi nila kailangang magtayo ng restaurant kung ang galing mo care-giving; or ikaw ay graphic artist, pwede kang graphic designer at ‘yon ang iyong negosyo,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

Concerns of OFWs on where to find accredited recruitment agencies, what agencies to ask help from for problems abroad, and their rights as overseas workers were also tackled during the event.

Participants also enjoyed a raffle draw with prizes such as a house and lot, motorcycles, pangkabuhayan showcases, appliances, and other gadgets. – RRD (with details from Correspondent Asher Cadapan Jr.)

MANILA, Philippines – Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon hit House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano for his “totally uncalled for” remarks against Vice President Leni Robredo.

“I am saddened by his statement. Such comments are totally uncalled for, especially coming from the Speaker of the House,” Drilon said in a statement.

Cayetano earlier said that Robredo is “all talk” since her appointment as the co-chairperson of the inter-agency committee on anti-illegal drugs (ICAD).

President Rodrigo Duterte last week designated Robredo to co-lead the government’s body against illegal drugs.

Since then, she has been meeting with several groups to float her ideas to address the country’s drug problem, such as scrapping the “Oplan Tokhang” and implementing a health-based anti-drug campaign.

Instead of criticizing Robredo, Drilon said everyone should support the government’s war on drugs and set aside politics.

“It cannot be denied that illegal drug continues to be a problem, notwithstanding the over 5,000 deaths from Operation Tokhang,” he said.

“The gravity of this issue on illegal drugs calls for everyone to set aside politics. In the remaining two and a half years of the administration, we should all work together to solve this problem,” he added.

The senator also noted that even Malacañang has vowed full support for Robredo as she undertakes this task.

“We expect the allies of this administration to do no less,” he added.

Meanwhile, Robredo’s spokesperson and legal counsel, Barry Gutierrez, said the vice president has only begun doing her new task and told Cayetano to stop criticizing if he can’t help her do her job.

Gutierrez also said the entire government should unite to eradicate illegal drugs in the country.