# So Philippine president Duterte abuses fentanyl? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [December 19, 2016, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-philippine-president-duterte-abuses-fentanyl/775113 "2016-12-19T03:06:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-philippine-president-duterte-abuses-fentanyl/775113/1 "2016-12-19T03:06:13Z")
[https://www.yahoo.com/news/duterte-painkiller-draws-concern-philippines-084005965.html](https://www.yahoo.com/news/duterte-painkiller-draws-concern-philippines-084005965.html) > **[Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Has Been Accused of Abusing Fentanyl](https://www.vice.com/en/article/kbwkky/prezydent-filipin-rodrigo-duterte-oskarzony-o-uzaleznienie-od-fentanylu)** > > Last week's announcement that President Rodrigo Duterte once abused the opioid comes amidst international concern for the number of drug users, dealers, and innocent bystanders being executed in the Philippines. > [@](#): > > Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s admission that he used a powerful painkiller has prompted concern about his health, with lawmakers urging him Sunday to undergo a medical examination and disclose the results. > > Duterte on Monday revealed that he used to take fentanyl, often prescribed for cancer pain and other chronic ailments, because of a spinal injury from previous motorcycle accidents. > > He however said his doctor made him stop using it on learning he was “abusing the drug” by using more than the prescribed patches. Please let this be true. ---
**Author:** ![ganthet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9de0a6/32.png) [@ganthet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ganthet)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-philippine-president-duterte-abuses-fentanyl/775113/2 "2016-12-19T03:15:24Z")
And even then, hypocrisy would still be hundreds of entries down on the list of his negative qualities. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-philippine-president-duterte-abuses-fentanyl/775113/3 "2016-12-19T03:22:45Z")
Oddly enough, I had to make a run on an addict once who was out of heroin, so he was boiling his fentanyl patches, and injecting the broth into his veins. Wanna guess how that turned out? ---
**Author:** ![Nawth\_Chucka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c57346/32.png) [@Nawth\_Chucka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nawth_Chucka)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-philippine-president-duterte-abuses-fentanyl/775113/4 "2016-12-19T03:34:50Z")
> [@Superdude](#): > > Oddly enough, I had to make a run on an addict once who was out of heroin, so he was boiling his fentanyl patches, and injecting the broth into his veins. > > Wanna guess how that turned out? That is some desperation, I can’t even imagine. Duterte has said he uses prescription meds even now, and that’s ok b/c they’re prescribed (surely under rigorous guidelines and w/ NO privilege given to him as the President. The thousands of people killed at his encouragement this year were linked to illegal drug use so it’s fine that they’re dead. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-philippine-president-duterte-abuses-fentanyl/775113/5 "2016-12-19T03:44:13Z")
> [@Nawth\_Chucka](#): > > That is some desperation, I can’t even imagine. Reminds me of the scene in _Andromeda Strain_ where the homeless dude explained “squeeze” to one of the doctors. > [@](#): > > Duterte has said he uses prescription meds even now, and that’s ok b/c they’re prescribed (surely under rigorous guidelines and w/ NO privilege given to him as the President. I’m fairly certain that improper use of prescribed drugs is also illegal use of the drug in the Philippines. > [@](#): > > The thousands of people killed at his encouragement this year were linked to illegal drug use so it’s fine that they’re dead. That is, of course, Duterte’s viewpoint. I’m hoping you’re posting that ironically/facetiously/in a whooshing manner. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-philippine-president-duterte-abuses-fentanyl/775113/6 "2016-12-19T03:47:50Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > I’m fairly certain that improper use of prescribed drugs is also illegal use of the drug in the Philippines. “It’s not illegal if the President does it.” 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-philippine-president-duterte-abuses-fentanyl/775113/7 "2016-12-19T05:03:50Z")
I have a feeling we’re all going to feel trapped in \* [Frost/Nixon](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0870111/?ref_=nv_sr_6)\* for the next few years. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Duality](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.duality/32/4098_2.png) [@Mr.Duality](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Duality)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-philippine-president-duterte-abuses-fentanyl/775113/8 "2016-12-19T13:27:56Z")
The OP says abuse in the present tense. The article uses past tense. Quite a weak pitting. It’s extraordinarily difficult for an average person to get a prescription for stronger painkillers in the Philippines. Perhaps not so difficult for someone who is in a position of power. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-philippine-president-duterte-abuses-fentanyl/775113/9 "2016-12-19T14:13:40Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > “It’s not illegal if the President does it.” > > 😃 Sounds like something a power hungry Dick would say. ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-philippine-president-duterte-abuses-fentanyl/775113/10 "2016-12-19T16:02:50Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > [https://www.yahoo.com/news/duterte-painkiller-draws-concern-philippines-084005965.html](https://www.yahoo.com/news/duterte-painkiller-draws-concern-philippines-084005965.html) > > [http://www.vice.com/en\_au/read/philippines-president-rodrigo-duterte-accused-of-abusing-fentanyl](http://www.vice.com/en_au/read/philippines-president-rodrigo-duterte-accused-of-abusing-fentanyl) > > Please let this be true. Isn’t this the ass wipe who “declared war” on drug users and actually bragged about killing a few himself? He needs to commit suicide right away. It’s the only right thing to do. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Duality](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.duality/32/4098_2.png) [@Mr.Duality](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Duality)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-philippine-president-duterte-abuses-fentanyl/775113/11 "2016-12-19T17:03:10Z")
I am aware of a lot that goes on in the Philippines, and I am unaware of any non-meth-related killings other than remarkably few innocent bystanders (or Mushrooms as they’re called in the 'Hood). The pot heads and dealers are not being targeted. Killing them may not be the right thing to do, but it’s the practical course of action. To deal with the problem by Western standards would require reforming the ridiculously inefficient and corrupt judicial system. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-philippine-president-duterte-abuses-fentanyl/775113/12 "2016-12-19T18:55:29Z")
> [@Mr.Duality](#): > > Killing them may not be the right thing to do, but it’s the practical course of action. To deal with the problem by Western standards would require reforming the ridiculously inefficient and corrupt judicial system. Practical how? Duterte is telling the US to go fuck itself and cozying up to China. [This Reuters](http://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/philippines-drugs-china/) story shows how they have it totally ass backwards. The vast majority (entirety?) of meth and its precursors that make it to the Philippines comes from China. China hasn’t really shown too much interest in stopping the flow. ---
**Author:** ![Salvor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Salvor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Salvor)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-philippine-president-duterte-abuses-fentanyl/775113/13 "2016-12-19T19:15:57Z")
Maybe he’ll kill himself. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Duality](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.duality/32/4098_2.png) [@Mr.Duality](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Duality)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-philippine-president-duterte-abuses-fentanyl/775113/14 "2016-12-19T19:30:29Z")
> [@Ike\_Witt](#): > > Practical how? Duterte is telling the US to go fuck itself and cozying up to China. [This Reuters](http://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/philippines-drugs-china/) story shows how they have it totally ass backwards. The vast majority (entirety?) of meth and its precursors that make it to the Philippines comes from China. China hasn’t really shown too much interest in stopping the flow. The Chinese government doubtlessly could do more with export control. At least they aren’t exerting any pressure regarding Chinese citizens arrested in the Philippines on drug-related charges. But on what basis are you questioning the practicality of killing meth people? Do you have a more workable solution? I doubt that the Chinese government could do much even if they wanted to. The ingredients would just come from elsewhere. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-philippine-president-duterte-abuses-fentanyl/775113/15 "2016-12-19T20:48:29Z")
> [@Mr.Duality](#): > > I am aware of a lot that goes on in the Philippines, and I am unaware of any non-meth-related killings other than remarkably few innocent bystanders (or Mushrooms as they’re called in the 'Hood). The pot heads and dealers are not being targeted. > > Killing them may not be the right thing to do, but it’s the practical course of action. To deal with the problem by Western standards would require reforming the ridiculously inefficient and corrupt judicial system. But the president has encouraged the death penalty for something he does himself. Abuse drugs. Is it just meth? Are opiates or cocaine a problem there? So are marijuana users mostly left alone, it is just the people who abuse meth who are targeted? What about the higher ups in the drug trade? Politicians, military and police who are involved in the drug trade? Isn’t there a risk that the country will kill users and low level dealers, but the powerful people in the drug trade will get away scot free? ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Duality](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.duality/32/4098_2.png) [@Mr.Duality](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Duality)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-philippine-president-duterte-abuses-fentanyl/775113/16 "2016-12-19T22:05:08Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > But the president has encouraged the death penalty for something he does himself. Abuse drugs. > > Is it just meth? Are opiates or cocaine a problem there? So are marijuana users mostly left alone, it is just the people who abuse meth who are targeted? > > What about the higher ups in the drug trade? Politicians, military and police who are involved in the drug trade? Isn’t there a risk that the country will kill users and low level dealers, but the powerful people in the drug trade will get away scot free? It’s all meth. Nothing else appears in the news, at any rate. Opiates doubtlessly are there but meth is is cheap and widespread. Drug abuse is something Duterte _has done_, not _does_. I already pointed that out once. He offered amnesty to all who would turn themselves in, and a large number did. Many who have been killed turned themselves in but went back to the drug trade. There is a lack of treatment facilities. Duterte has released [lists](http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/12/20/Duterte-reveals-more-names-in-narco-list.html) of public figures and government officials involved in the drug trade. Some of these people have been arrested or killed, most notably a mayor who was shot while a prisoner in his own jail. Many have gone into hiding. ---
**Author:** ![Guest-starring\_Id](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guest-starring_id/32/21736_2.png) [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-philippine-president-duterte-abuses-fentanyl/775113/17 "2016-12-19T23:04:33Z")
> [@Mr.Duality](#): > > There is a lack of treatment facilities. Wouldn’t it be practical for gov’t to put money in that instead of killing meth users? It would involve more funds, I would imagine, but maybe a little more humane? ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Duality](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.duality/32/4098_2.png) [@Mr.Duality](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Duality)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-philippine-president-duterte-abuses-fentanyl/775113/18 "2016-12-19T23:50:44Z")
> [@Eddie The Horrible](#): > > Wouldn’t it be practical for gov’t to put money in that instead of killing meth users? > It would involve more funds, I would imagine, but maybe a little more humane? Treatment capacity is being improved, [here](http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/06/16/p350-m-drug-treatment-rehab-center-to-rise-in-davao-city) and at [this other place.]([http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/11/29/1648506/at](http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/11/29/1648506/at) this other place) Foreign funding is key. Of course treatment is more humane. Bullets and assassins are more affordable. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-philippine-president-duterte-abuses-fentanyl/775113/19 "2016-12-19T23:56:18Z")
> [@Mr.Duality](#): > > Treatment capacity is being improved, [here](http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/06/16/p350-m-drug-treatment-rehab-center-to-rise-in-davao-city) and at [this other place.]([http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/11/29/1648506/at](http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/11/29/1648506/at) this other place) Foreign funding is key. > > Of course treatment is more humane. Bullets and assassins are more affordable. While your countries solution IS a hard pill to swallow…it does bring up an interesting debate…when does a poor society throw basic ethics to the wind because the threat the problem presents will destroy said society… Yeah, yeah, all us modern people can get up in arms about such things…but the Eskimos put old people on ice floes…and it wasn’t because they couldn’t stand seeing another Matt Lock rerun. ---
**Author:** ![Nawth\_Chucka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c57346/32.png) [@Nawth\_Chucka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nawth_Chucka)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-philippine-president-duterte-abuses-fentanyl/775113/20 "2016-12-19T23:56:35Z")
> [@Mr.Duality](#): > > Treatment capacity is being improved, [here](http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/06/16/p350-m-drug-treatment-rehab-center-to-rise-in-davao-city) and at [this other place.]([http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/11/29/1648506/at](http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/11/29/1648506/at) this other place) Foreign funding is key. > > Of course treatment is more humane. Bullets and assassins are more affordable. Killing rather than treatment seems an odd choice for a Catholic country. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-philippine-president-duterte-abuses-fentanyl/775113.md?page=2)