Sotto to help next president with anti-drug campaign, OFW issues

Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Sunday said he could help the next president address the problem of illegal drugs as well as lend his expertise on foreign policy and OFW matters. 

Sotto reiterated his intention to focus on boosting the government's anti-drug campaign through supply and demand reduction strategies during a vice presidential debate sponsored by the Commission on Elections.

"Siguro 'yung DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) at Dangerous Drugs Board would be my expertise. Dito sa problema na ito na sinasabi ko, hindi lang puwede ang supply-reduction strategy na ginagawa ng administrasyon. Kailangan palakasin mo ang prevention and rehabilitation which is part of the demand reduction strategy," he said.

(My expertise would most probably be in the DILG and the Dangerous Drugs Board. The drug problem should not be solved through the supply reduction strategy that the current administration is pursuing. We have to strengthen prevention and rehabilitation, which is part of the demand reduction strategy.)

To prevent Filipinos from becoming addicted to illegal drugs, Sotto said the government must establish a Drug Abuse Resistance Education for Grade 5 to Grade 7 students and a National Sports Program that will include inter-barangay sports development programs.

Sotto also said that he will not be "confined" to the government's anti-drug campaign and that he may be able to assist the next president with foreign affairs issues, particularly with regard to the newly created Department of Migrant Workers.

"Palagay ko makakatulong ako nang malaki doon sa mga trabaho na 'yun at issues na 'yun," he said.

(When it comes to those issues, I believe I may be of great help.)

Sotto is the running mate of Senator Panfilo Lacson, who is seeking the presidency for the second time. — VBL, GMA News