Senator Robin Padilla has garnered the support of global scientists and medical professionals in his persistent efforts to legalize medical cannabis in the Philippines through Senate Bill (SB) No. 2573, also known as the Cannabis Medicalization Act of the Philippines.
Despite facing opposition, the bill gained momentum during a forum and media conference at Solaire on December 19, Parañaque, where international cannabis advocates Dr. Shiksha Gallow and Wayne Gallow highlighted the medicinal benefits of cannabis, particularly for managing pain in cancer and epilepsy patients.
Dr. Shiksha and Dr. Wayne explained that medical cannabis is a proven therapeutic option, citing its role in alleviating symptoms for various chronic illnesses.
Senator Padilla, reflecting on his experiences and observations, noted a shift in perception among legislators.
“Sa matagal na panahon po, lagi po itong umaabot ng third reading sa House. Pero pagdating po sa Senate, hindi po ito tumatakbo. Siguro po dahil sa generation gap dahil matagal sa panahon na ‘yung mga nakaupo din sa ating Senado, sa atin pong mataas na Kapulungan ay medyo nakatatanda,” Padilla said.
“Ang mga nakaupo po ngayon na mga senador ay mas ka-edad po natin, mas naiintindihan na po nila kung ano ang benepisyo ng cannabis. Kaya po ngayon umabot na po kami sa interpellation,” he added.
Padilla shared his visits to Israel and Prague, where he observed the practical application of medical cannabis.
“When I went to Israel, I went to the lab (laboratory), they showed me the difference between recreational and medicinal cannabis. Kasi alam n’yo ‘yung recreational, kahit saan lang ‘yan. Pero iba po ang medical, malinis, lahat. In-explain po nila ‘yun. Pinakita nila kung ano ang hitsura ng lab nila o paano ginagawa ‘yung oil, malinis po talaga,” he said.
He also visited a nursing home in Israel where cannabis oil was used as a treatment for elderly patients with cancer.
“So, bumalik ako dito, ikinuwento ko sa Senado. Medyo mayroon pa rin silang konting tanong. Pumunta naman ako ng Prague. Kasi magkaiba, eh. Bawat bansa, iba ang kanilang pamamaraan. Sa Prague, ang specialty nila is not oil. Capsule ang kanila. Pero same lang din,” he emphasized. “Ito na ang pinakamura at pinaka-epektibo na puwede pong i-subsidize ng gobyerno.”
Addressing concerns about potential misuse, Padilla stressed the differences between medical and recreational cannabis.
“Siyempre, na-experience natin ‘yung recreational noong araw pa. Hindi naman tayo nagsisinungaling, ano? That is why I’m the Bad Boy of Philippine Movies. We experienced everything. Pero siyempre, iba ‘yung medical cannabis. We cannot compare medical cannabis to recreational marijuana. Malayong-malayo po,” he explained.
Joining the forum were Filipino experts Dr. Romeo Quijano and Dr. Angel Joaquin Gomez, who echoed the call for legalizing medical cannabis, emphasizing its potential to improve healthcare in the country.
Padilla remains hopeful that SB 2573 will soon become law, noting that medical cannabis offers a cost-effective and scientifically-backed solution for many Filipinos suffering from debilitating illnesses.
