Garin wants expanded powers for PDEA lawyers
First District Rep. Janette Garin wants the powers of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) lawyers expanded.
Also, to further address the illegal drug trade in the country, Garin is calling for a review of a law governing juvenile delinquents.
The Ilonggo lawmaker made the statements following a House inquiry on the questionable handling by prosecutors of several drug cases here.
Garin proposes that PDEA lawyers be given powers to conduct preliminary investigation of drugs cases.
This is one way to shorten the process and to improve the prosecution of drugs cases in the country, she explained.
At present, PDEA lawyers cannot conduct preliminary investigation, only prosecutors.
During Friday's House inquiry here, members of the committee on dangerous drugs noted the non-coordination between the prosecutors and the PDEA, especially their legal officers.
PDEA's lawyer, Alvaro Lazaro welcomed Friday Garin's proposal.
Garin also expressed interest in reviewing Republic Act 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006. Under this, children below 18 years old are exempt from criminal liability.
She noted that drug syndicates and pushers often use minors as drug couriers.
Garin also observed that nowadays children, around the age of 10-11, already know the value of money.