Arroyo told:
Give up role as anti-drugs czar

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. yesterday said he does not think it is proper for President Gloria  Macapagal  Arroyo  to   assume the role  as anti-drug czar, even on a  temporary capacity, because  there  are so many other  pressing  problems of the country that  needs her attention and action, a press release from his office said.

Pimentel said the government can effectively address the illegal drug menace by giving the law enforcement agencies concerned the necessary resources that they need to fulfill their tasks.

He added that it cannot be said that there are no capable individuals who can effectively oversee the crackdown on illegal drugs and produce the desired results.

Environment budget
critical: Social Watch

Social Watch Philippines called on the Bicameral Conference Committee of Congress to give priority to the budget for environment to prevent millions of Filipino families from being displaced by disasters caused by natural resources abuse and climate change, an SWP press release said.

Lead convenor Leonor Briones said those finalizing the national budget should recognize that allocation for the environment is very critical at this stage when local economies are affected by displacement of communities because of floods and extreme weather events.

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