As we celebrate the 125th year of Philippine Independence, Former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez calls anew to “FREE THE PLANT,” referring to the decriminalization of Marijuana, one of the incumbent Davao del Norte 1st District Representative’s priority measures through House Bill No. 6783.

“If we legalize marijuana, but with safeguards, we help in attaining economic independence and freedom from poverty for our people. FREE THE PLANT! This is the only way we can harness the full potential of the benefits of Cannabis, both medically and economically.”

Rep. Alvarez called for the need for courage to explore and take alternative, progressive, but effective means of addressing our problems. In a previous statement, Rep. Alvarez has said that difficult problems require non-traditional and creative solutions.

“Tapang ang kailangan natin dito. We need the courage to face the problems head on and the capability to handle the solutions that is called for by modern times. Decriminalization of Cannabis can lead us to freedom from economic poverty. The potential for economic gain is astounding, international studies and models have proven this. The numbers speak for itself, and even our government agencies involved acknowledged it during the technical working group discussions in Congress. We have to face it.,” he said.

The legalization of marijuana has demonstrated substantial economic benefits in countries like Canada and the United States. Canada’s cannabis market soared, generating CAD 2.6 billion in sales, while the legal cannabis industry in the United States supported over 321,000 jobs and achieved $18.3 billion in sales. By legalizing marijuana in the country, the Philippines can unlock a profitable market, foster job creation, stimulate economic growth, and generate substantial tax revenues.

“Let’s roll up our sleeves and embrace the green revolution! By legalizing marijuana, we’ll not only light up our economy but also blaze a trail towards prosperity! The potential for high revenues is no longer up in smoke but a reality we can’t afford to ignore. It’s time to weed out outdated thinking and cultivate a thriving economy. Yung tax revenue gamitin natin pang pagawa ng mga ospital, paaralan, kalsada, at mga tulay. Gamitin na rin natin pang bayad ng utang ng ating bansa,” Alvarez emphasized.

Furthermore, the Congressman stressed the key role of ensuring comprehensive safeguards and regulations, raising its similarity with the rule of law in the exercise of freedom and sovereignty of states.

“While freedom may be absolute, rule of law prevails to ensure the protection of the people, their rights, and their welfare. The same is true should we choose to FREE THE PLANT. May mga batas po tayo, we create them, we draft, revise, and repeal them, we adapt as we see fit. That is incumbent upon us lawmakers. And I am sure that we will be able to ensure that safeguards against abuse and misuse and abuse of the plant.”

“Alam kong mahuhusay ang mga mambabatas at mga lider natin. Tapangan sana natin ang ating looban at buksan ang mga isipan. Our modern and difficult time calls for it. Let us free the plant.”