The position of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III allowing the “compassionate use”of medical marijuana drew censure from Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, who advised the newly-appointed DoH chief to study the matter thoroughly. Duque, who was appointed last week by President Rodrigo Duterte, said he is in favor of medical marijuana for “compassionate use.” Duque was referring to House Bill 180 or otherwise known as the proposed Philippine Medical Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act. The proposal, approved at the House committee level last month, seeks to legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes. “I am supporting Secretary Duque whether he is supporting or is against medical marijuana. Duque was appointed as a health secretary during the presidency of Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Source: The Standard November 01, 2017 13:07 UTC