House OKs bill that presumes drug suspects guilty until proven innocent

House committee on human rights chair Bong Suntay warns if the bill becomes law, the accused 'may now be convicted on mere presumptions'
Rappler (Philippines)
Tuesday, March 2, 2021

philippines human rightsThe House of Representatives passed a bill providing for legal presumption on who is considered an importer, financier, or protector of illegal drugs – meaning suspects would be presumed guilty upon apprehension. On Tuesday, March 2, lawmakers approved on final reading House Bill (HB) No 7814, which aimed to give more teeth to Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The Duterte-controlled House approved the bill just days after the shootout between agents of the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – the vanguards of Duterte’s landmark but deadly campaign against illegal drugs