On October 10, 1907, the new opium law, Act No. 1761, was passed by the Philippine Commission and became effective on October 17, 1907.
The law was enacted for the purpose of the gradual suppression of the opium evil, and prohibiting of the importation and use of opium, and the use of cocaine, except for medicinal purposes on and after March 1, 1908.
Opium Law of 1907
Act No. 1761, is entitled, “An act to gradually restrict and regulate the sale and use of opium pending the ultimate prohibition of the importation of opium into the Philippine Islands in whatever form except for medicinal purposes as provided by the act of congress approved March 3, 1905, and prohibiting any person from having the possesion of opium, cocaine, or alpha or beta eucaine in any of their several forms, or any derivative or preparation of any such drugs or substances, except for medicinal purposes, and to repeal Act No. 1461, and for other purposes”.
The repealed old law, Act No. 1461, is entitled, “An act for the purpose of restricting the sale and suppressing the evil resulting from the sale and use of opium until March 1, 1908, when its importation or use for any but medicinal purposes is forbidden by act of Congress”.
At the time the new law became effective, there had been 12,668 registered habitual users of opium in country.
Arrangements were made by the director of health for hospital treatment of those desiring to cure themselves of the opium habit. Treatment was given in Manila, Iloilo, and Cebu. Indigent persons desiring to cure themselves of the habit had been given treatment at the expense of the government, while those able to do so were required to pay a nominal fee.
References:
Philippines News Agency archives
US War Department Annual Report, 1908
(Filed by JR AMIGO/ai/mnm)