In a landmark vote, 177 lawmakers, including Ilonggo representatives, supported House Bill No. 10439, also known as the Medical Marijuana Bill or Access to Medical Cannabis Act, during its third and final reading earlier this week. Nine lawmakers opposed the bill, while another nine abstained.
The bill aims to legalize cannabis for treating various medical conditions. Among the supporters is Iloilo 2nd District Rep. Michael Gorriceta, who acknowledged the benefits of cannabis for patients needing alternative treatment options.
“I am confident that the use of medical marijuana will not be abused, given the stringent regulations outlined in House Bill 10439,” Gorriceta stated.
Under the bill, only qualified patients diagnosed by accredited physicians can receive medical cannabis treatment. Gorriceta believes that the regulated use of the drug will be enforced with strict compliance if the Senate approves the bill and President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. signs it into law.
Iloilo 3rd District Rep. Lorenz Defensor also expressed support, emphasizing that the bill would be “under supervision.” Iloilo 4th District Rep. Ferjenel Biron supported the bill but clarified his approval is for medical use only, not local cultivation.
Former Department of Health (DOH) Secretary and Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin highlighted the significant help cannabis provides for patients with seizure disorders, which is why she voted in favor.
However, Garin expressed concerns about potential local cultivation and stressed the need for government regulation to prevent misuse.
Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel urged consideration of numerous studies on medical marijuana, but shared concerns about potential abuse.
The bill proposes the establishment of a Medical Cannabis Office responsible for issuing prescriptions after verifying that the prescribing doctor is not listed on the Dangerous Drugs Board’s watch list.
Surigao del Norte Robert Ace Barbers, chairman of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, emphasized the stringent requirements for accrediting doctors to prescribe medical cannabis, including necessary training and clearances.
Medical conditions eligible for cannabis treatment under the bill include cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord damage, intractable spasticity, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorders, hospice care, and other conditions identified by the DOH.
The bill also outlines penalties for individuals who falsify illnesses or prescriptions to obtain cannabis, including imprisonment of six months to six years and/or fines ranging from P500,000 to P1 million.
Senator Robinhood Padilla, author of Senate Bill No. 2573 or Cannabis Medicalization Act of the Philippines, assured that sufficient safeguards would be in place for cultivation until the cannabis reaches qualified patients.
Padilla mentioned the implementation of electronic monitoring systems to ensure government oversight of medical marijuana use.
“We will have electronic monitoring systems in place to ensure that everyone complies with the limitations set by the law,” Padilla said.
