Yoliza Mae J. Recto
Drug-free Society
A Reflective Essay
Illegal drugs and drug addiction have long been seen as one of the Philippines'
most serious concerns. We cannot dispute that this issue has exploded in our society,
affecting a large number of individuals, particularly the youth. This ubiquitous vice is
progressively eating away at the youth who are claimed to be "the hope of future
generations". Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines' president, has gone further than any other
country in addressing this issue. When he started his administration, he launched an antidrug campaign and declared a war on drugs, threatening to execute all drug users and
dealers who refused to confess (“President's anti-drug”). He gave police the authority to
kill any drug suspects and invited every citizen to participate in the effort to make the
Philippines a more comfortable place to live. However, the question arises, is the mission
of eradicating drug addicts and drugs lords are successful? Do we attain drug-free
society? Probably some of us will say NO, because as we observe, even on this times of
pandemic, drug problems are still rampant in the Philippine setting. But let us envision a
drug free society.
For me, a drug-free society means less crime because one of the major contributor
of crime and accident is due to the influence of drug. When a person is under the influence
of drug, they can’t control his/her action thoroughly. That’s the reason why some addict
committed heinous crimes such as rape, violence, abuse and other inhumane acts. It is
the driving force that pushes the drug user to make indecisive actions. It is the catalyst
on major social problem all over the world. So for me, a drug free society as I envision
will be a cleansed of crimes and our safety are not deteriorating or in dwindle. We can
probably walk on the dark and tiny street without fear that there is a huge possibilities that
we are in danger, we can peacefully live even in a squalid and overcrowded urban street
without worrying our safety, and we can walk on the street without worrying with our short
skirts and crop top shirt. But the question that bombarded to my mind while writing this
essay was, is it possible to have a drug-free society? Probably no, it is impossible to live
in a drug free world because drugs are important and necessary. We use drugs to help
all sorts of diseases, pains and ailments. However, it should properly consume by us. The
problem with drug was, it is abuses and uses for recreation and not for medication
purposes. But it is possible to have drug-abuse free society? I am not fully confident that
we can achieve that vision because to be honest, I have doubt that we can achieve this.
Because even the way on eradicating this was by the means of violence or ere bloodshed,
up to this time, a lot of drug related issues are still rampant and even on this times of
pandemic. But I am hoping that the Philippines with its right leader will eventually get rid
drug abuse cases on our country and we can have a tranquil places, safe streets and
slum. Hopefully one day we can live in a drug-free society. I know that we are far from
this, but I am hoping that one day we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and
perceive the silver lining on every clouds.