Dy bats for wider Asean anti-drug council vs transnational crimes

MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III has proposed expanding the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) body focused on dangerous drugs, saying it is needed to fight the drug trade that has become “increasingly interconnected and transnational.”

In his speech during the 9th AIPA Advisory Council on Dangerous Drugs (AIPACODD) meeting, Dy said the body has been a “vital platform” for lawmakers across Asean to discuss legislative matters, policy exchanges, and regional cooperation.

However, Dy noted that drug-related crimes have evolved and are now linked to criminal activities and enterprises operating beyond a country’s borders.

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“They are increasingly intertwined with a broader web of transnational organized crime that threatens regional security, undermines economic stability, and impedes human development. These threats recognize no borders. Neither should our response,” said Dy, president of the 47th AIPA.

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“Cooperation alone is no longer enough. Criminal networks continue to exploit differences in legal frameworks and gaps in enforcement across our jurisdictions. To stay ahead, we must pursue stronger mechanisms for collaboration and greater harmonization of our laws, denying these networks the space in which they operate,” he added.

READ: Speaker Dy stresses public trust mantra as PH assumes AIPA presidency

The expansion of the body’s mandate, Dy said, will be made through amendments to AIPACODD’s Terms of Reference. If adopted, the amendment would include crimes benefiting from the illegal drug trade within AIPACODD’s scope.

“The Philippines strongly supports amendments to the existing Terms of Reference of AIPACODD to expand its mandate and operational framework by including other crimes directly or indirectly linked to the illicit drug trade,” he said.

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“If approved, AIPACODD will become AIPACODD Plus—a transformation driven by strategic necessity. This expanded framework will strengthen Asean parliamentary cooperation not only against drug trafficking but also against the crimes that sustain and profit from it, including money laundering, trafficking in persons, and cybercrime,” he added.

READ: Speaker Dy scales down AIPA hosting amid global tensions

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Strong coordination more important

Bukidnon Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores, head of the House committee on dangerous drugs for the 20th Congress, said Asean member-states must be able to confront a drug threat that is gradually becoming transnational and technology-driven.

Flores, who served as chairperson of the AIPACODD meeting, said the discussions are highly important as close and strong coordination may be necessary to fight drug syndicates.

READ: Asean AIPA preparatory meetings to be conducted online – Speaker Dy

“Across Southeast Asia, we continue to witness the alarming expansion of the methamphetamine market, the emergence of new synthetic substances, and the increasing sophistication of trafficking methods,” he said.

“The Philippines recognizes that the problem of illegal drugs has become increasingly transnational, adaptive, and technology-driven and that no nation can confront these challenges alone. These developments require our governments and institutions to adopt coordinated and forward-looking responses to safeguard regional stability and promote the welfare of our nations,” he added.

Flores said the meeting can serve as a platform for lawmakers to share best practices that may be adopted by other member countries.

“This meeting provides an important platform for Asean parliamentarians to exchange best practices, strengthen regional cooperation, and reinforce the bonds of friendship among our nations,” he said.

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“Through open discussion and mutual cooperation, we can develop policies that are both effective and humane—policies that protect our communities while upholding human dignity, public health, and the rule of law,” he added. /mcm