BSED Major in Social Studies 2

Debate: Continue the War on Dar

Greeting Worthy opponent, honorable adjudicator, and esteemed audience, good morning. Today, we engage in an important debate on whether the War on Drugs, as initiated by former President Duterte, should continue under the leadership of President Marcos. We, on the affirmative side, firmly believe that the War on Drugs should indeed be continued, but with necessary reforms to ensure its long-term benefits for our society.Rationale The War on Drugs, started by Duterte, is not about extrajudicial killings but addressing the severe threat of illegal drugs. Drug abuse, particularly among youth, and rising crime have devastated society. Under Marcos, continuing this campaign can boost the economy, restore law and order, and tackle the root causes of social issues, leading to a safer, more stable Philippines.SignpostingIn the following speech, I will present three key arguments in support of continuing the War on Drugs: First, The Economic shift before and after the implementation of Duterte's War on Drugs. Second, how this campaign helps in addressing the root causes of social issues such as crime and poverty. And third, the importance of community rehabilitation programs in reintegrating former drug users into society. First Argument: The Economic shift with the War on DrugsThe economic impact of illegal drugs on the Philippines has been severe. Before Duterte's administration, drug abuse was tied to rising crime, violence, and reduced productivity. In 2016, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that drug abuse cost the Philippines approximately ₱276 billion annually, covering healthcare, lost productivity, and law enforcement. The growing drug trade and widespread addiction also contributed to economic instability, hindering local business growth and community development.With the War on Drugs, drug-related violence and crime significantly decreased, especially in areas plagued by drug syndicates. A Philippine National Police (PNP) report revealed a 25.3% drop in drug-related crimes from 2016 to 2019. This decline in crime boosted economic confidence, attracting investments and fostering business growth in previously violent areas. By continuing this campaign, the Marcos administration can further stabilize the economy, reduce the financial burden of drug crime, and create a safer, more prosperous environment for communities.Second Argument: Addressing the root Causes of Social IssuesThe War on Drugs targets the root causes of social issues, not just the symptoms of crime. Poverty, lack of education, and unemployment drive drug abuse in many communities. A study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) found that high-poverty areas have significantly higher levels of drug use and crime. This creates a vicious cycle, where drug syndicates exploit vulnerable populations, exacerbating social inequality.By continuing the War on Drugs, President Marcos can dismantle criminal organizations exploiting impoverished communities. This campaign reduces the availability of illegal drugs, cutting the social and economic damage of the drug trade. Removing drug dealers lowers the likelihood of substance abuse, helping break the cycle of poverty and violence. This creates a safer, more stable environment for families and communities, moving away from the status quo of widespread drug abuse and crime.Third Argument: Community Rehabilitation Programs One of the key aspects of Duterte's War on Drugs was its focus on rehabilitation rather than solely on punitive measures. The government's efforts have led to tangible results in helping individuals recover and reintegrate into society. According to the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), 1.3 million drug offenders voluntarily surrendered under "Oplan Tokhang" and were given the chance to undergo rehabilitation.Under Duterte, rehabilitation programs grew from 22 to 61 centers by 2021, providing vital treatment, especially in rural areas. Studies show these programs reduce recidivism by 50%, helping individuals avoid relapse. Continuing this approach under Marcos will support reintegration, ease the justice system's burden, and boost the economy as rehabilitated individuals contribute to their communities.ConclusionIn light of the evidence presented, we firmly believe that the War on Drugs should continue under the Marcos administration, as it offers significant benefits for the Filipino people. The economic improvements driven by reduced drug-related crime, the addressing of root social issues like poverty and violence, and the success of rehabilitation programs demonstrate the positive impact of this initiative. Let us not abandon the progress made thus far but continue the fight with reforms that ensure accountability and fairness. By doing so, we pave the way for a safer, more prosperous Philippines for all. That summarizes my position, and I thank you for your attentive listening.--- 1. On the effectiveness of the War on Drugs:1.Do you recognize that drug abuse and drug-related crimes have been a significant problem in the Philippines?2. Would you agree that addressing the root causes of drug addiction, such as poverty and crime, is crucial for long-term societal stability?3. Do you think that the War on Drugs under Duterte contributed to reducing crime in areas heavily affected by drugs?2. On the economic impact:1. Would you agree that reducing drug-related crime can positively affect the economy, as businesses are more likely to invest in safer communities?2. Do you believe the government could save substantial amounts of money by reducing the economic burden of drug abuse, including healthcare and law enforcement costs?3. Are you aware that official government data shows a 25.3% decrease in drug-related crimes between 2016 and 2019?3. On addressing social issues:1. Do you agree that poverty and lack of education are factors that make individuals more vulnerable to drug abuse?2. Would you acknowledge that dismantling drug syndicates and limiting drug availability is a direct way to address poverty and crime?3. Do you believe that continued efforts to combat the drug trade could help break the cycle of poverty and reduce violence in affected communities?"4. On rehabilitation programs:1. Would you agree that providing rehabilitation to drug users, instead of merely punishing them, addresses the underlying causes of addiction?2. Do you think rehabilitation is more effective than incarceration in helping drug offenders reintegrate into society?3. Are you aware that more than 1.3 million drug offenders voluntarily surrendered and participated in rehabilitation programs during Duterte's administration?5. On the future of the War on Drugs:1. Would you agree that the War on Drugs under Duterte showed positive results in rehabilitating offenders and reducing crime?2. Do you think abandoning the War on Drugs entirely could lead to the resurgence of drug syndicates and the harm they cause to vulnerable communities?3. Do you believe that, under President Marcos, continuing the War on Drugs with necessary reforms could maintain the positive results already achieved?Conclusion:Given the data showing crime reduction, the positive economic impact, and the success of rehabilitation programs, would you agree that continuing the War on Drugs, with reforms, could lead to long-term benefits for the Philippines?