Press Release - Robin Sponsors Landmark Legislation on Medical Cannabis to Ensure Filipinos' Access to Health Services

"Leave no one behind. Walang maiiwanan."

On this note, Sen. Robinhood "Robin" C. Padilla on Wednesday sponsored a landmark legislation legalizing access to medical cannabis, to make sure all Filipinos - especially the poor - have access to quality health services.

Padilla, in sponsoring Senate Bill 2573 (Cannabis Medicalization Act of the Philippines), said medical cannabis can be an affordable alternative to synthetic drugs - and minus the side effects.

"Wala na po sigurong pangarap ang bawat isang miyembro ng lupon na ito bilang mga halal ng taumbayan kundi makitang ang bawat Pilipino ay may epektibo at pantay na access sa de-kalidad na serbisyong pangkalusugan. Ika nga po ng isinisigaw ng United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: Leave No One Behind. Sa wikang Filipino: Walang maiiwanan (There is no other dream by members of the Senate as elected public servants but to see effective and equal access to quality health services. As the the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development goes, Leave No One Behind. In Filipino, Walang maiiwanan)," he said.

"Napapanahon na po siguro upang dinggin natin ang hinaing ng mga magulang at pasyente na nagsusumamo upang maging legal na ang access sa lunas na kanilang lubhang kinakailangan (It is time we hear the cries of parents and patients for legal access to such needed treatment)," he added.

Padilla, citing his experience as an action star and stuntman, cited several injuries such as undisplaced neck fracture, third-degree burns, broken ankle, and even backbone injuries where synthetic drugs prescribed by doctors may have side effects.

He said he incorporated into the bill several details from his recent study tour in Israel where he saw how the government there enforced and limited access to medical cannabis.

Under the bill, a Philippine Medical Cannabis Authority (PMCA) shall be created under the Department of Health (DOH), and will follow the structure of the Israel Medical Cannabis Agency (IMCA) under the Israel Ministry of Health in issuing permits and licenses for the use of medical cannabis.

The PMCA will draw up a Comprehensive Cannabis Medicalization Plan; regulations for the medical use