The Department of Justice (DOJ) has reaffirmed the Philippines’ longstanding commitment to the United Nations (UN) in addressing the global drug problem, emphasizing a human rights-based and public health-centered approach under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration.

Speaking at the 68th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna, Austria, DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla highlighted the country’s focus on prevention, education, and rehabilitation as key strategies in tackling illegal drugs.

Remulla cited encouraging results from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Abuse, which reported a decline in drug use prevalence, with the number of drug users dropping from 1.67 million in 2019 to 1.47 million in 2023.

He also noted that the Philippine government is currently reviewing its drug policies while continuing to implement a “whole-of-nation” approach—integrating law enforcement, socio-economic, and health interventions—to create a more effective and sustainable response to the drug problem.