The legal framework
The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165) sets life imprisonment and very large fines for the sale, trading and delivery of dangerous drugs regardless of quantity, twelve years to life for possession depending on weight, and a minimum of six months of rehabilitation for a first offence of use.
The anti-drug campaign launched in 2016 resulted in thousands of deaths in police operations and killings by unidentified assailants; it is the subject of an International Criminal Court investigation, and a former president was taken into ICC custody in March 2025.
Section 15 makes a first offence of use punishable by rehabilitation rather than imprisonment, with imprisonment on a second offence.
Plea bargaining in drug cases was permitted by the Supreme Court in 2018 and has substantially reduced the case backlog.
Methamphetamine, known locally as shabu, dominates both use and enforcement.
Key points
| Main statute | Republic Act 9165, Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act 2002 |
|---|---|
| Sale or delivery | Life imprisonment and a large fine, regardless of quantity |
| Possession | 12 years to life depending on weight |
| First use offence | Minimum 6 months rehabilitation |
| Dominant substance | Methamphetamine (shabu) |
In practice
- Treatment and rehabilitation centres are accredited by the Department of Health; community-based programmes exist in many municipalities.
- A foreign national arrested should contact their embassy immediately.
- Never accept a package or a bag from anyone at an airport.
Cost and coverage
Government rehabilitation is subsidised; private centres are costly. Fines under the Act are very large.
Recent changes
The International Criminal Court proceedings on the anti-drug campaign advanced significantly in 2025.
Where to go
- Department of Health accredited treatment and rehabilitation centres.
- Dangerous Drugs Board, information and policy.
- National Poison Management and Control Centre.
- Emergencies: 911.
Worth knowing
Penalties for sale do not depend on quantity: life imprisonment applies to the delivery of any amount of a dangerous drug.
Frequently asked questions
Is a first offence of use imprisoned?
Section 15 provides for a minimum of six months of rehabilitation for a first offence, with imprisonment on a second.
Does quantity matter for sale?
No. Sale, trading or delivery carries life imprisonment regardless of quantity.
Official sources and links
- gov.ph — official government portal