BICAM MULLS DEATH PENALTY FOR 2ND TIME DRUG OFFENDERS

The bicameral committee reviewing Republic Act 6425 (the Dangerous Drugs
Law) is bent on adopting a provision imposing the death penalty to
second-time offenders found possessing at least five grams of illegal drugs.

Rep. Antonio Cuenco, chairman of the House committee on dangerous drugs,
said the bicameral committee is inclined to penalize first-time offenders
who yield at least 10 grams of metamphetamine hydrochloride, popularly known
as shabu, with a maximum sentence of 12 years imprisonment.

The House version originally imposed the death penalty to anyone found to
possessing 10 grams of the illegal substance.

The emerging consensus, according to Cuenco, is that the death penalty would
be imposed on anyone found for the second time possessing at least five
grams of shabu.

The bicameral committee will convene on Monday to finalize the amendments of
RA 6425, which only imposes the death penalty to offenders found possessing
at least 200 grams of shabu.