https://businessmirror.com.ph/2026/08/03/house-committee-eyes-stronger-anti-money-laundering-measures/

THE House Committee on Dangerous Drugs will push for stronger anti-money laundering measures targeting proceeds from illegal drugs as part of efforts to dismantle syndicates by cutting off their financial networks.

The newly-appointed committee chairman, Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos, said proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act would strengthen penalties for financing narcotics operations, large-scale trafficking, and illegal drug manufacturing.

The panel will require the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (Pdea), National Police (PNP), Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and other concerned agencies to submit regular performance reports. Their results will be measured not only by drug seizures but also by successful prosecutions and the number of syndicates dismantled.

“We must ensure that every peso spent and every operation conducted produces concrete results. Congress has the responsibility to hold our anti-drug agencies accountable and ensure that our policies are effective, transparent, and responsive to emerging drug threats,” Santos said.

The lawmaker also outlined a legislative agenda addressing new methods used by criminal organizations. Proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act would impose heavier penalties on large-scale drug trafficking, illegal drug manufacturing, and the financing of narcotics operations.

He said the panel will strengthen anti-money laundering measures against drug proceeds and introduce legislation penalizing the online

sale, distribution, and promotion of illegal drugs. The proposed measures would expand the government’s ability to investigate syndicates operating through digital platforms.

Santos said the committee would also seek stronger legal protection for informants and whistleblowers whose information could help authorities dismantle major drug networks.

Beyond law enforcement, the committee will push for increased funding for rehabilitation, prevention, aftercare, and mental health services.

“Our fight against illegal drugs must be intelligence-driven, evidence-based, and balanced. We must relentlessly pursue drug syndicates while strengthening rehabilitation, prevention, and community partnerships to protect our families and future generations,” Santos said.

He added that the committee intends to shift the national anti-drug campaign toward an approach in which government agencies are judged not only by the number of operations conducted but also by prosecution, rehabilitation, prevention, and long-term community outcomes.