Senator Robin Padilla visited the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv recently to share insights on his three-day study tour on Israel's scientific and compassionate use of cannabis for medical patients.  

The Senator and his delegation met officials of the Israel Ministry of Health and the Israel Medical Cannabis Agency in Jerusalem to learn how medical cannabis was legalized in the country, how quality and safety measures are maintained, and how standardization and regulations are applied. They also visited facilities across Israel which are involved in medical cannabis cultivation, research, and product development.

In 2022, Sen. Padilla filed Senate Bill 230 which proposes to legalize the medical use of cannabis to benefit Filipino patients suffering from medical conditions such as seizure disorders and epilepsy.

The Senator is also looking at potential economic benefits of regulated cannabis cultivation, especially for regions in northern Philippines. 

Senator Padilla also took time to meet with leaders and members of the Filipino Community Israel to personally thank them for their support and to check on their wellbeing. The Senator shared that Israelis told him they deeply value Filipino caregivers for their compassionate and professional work of taking care of elderly Israelis.

"Ang tingin at nararamdaman nila, yung mga Pilipinong nag-aalaga sa mga mga mahal nila sa buhay ay pamilya, kaya ang sarap madinig noon.  ["They see the Filipinos who take care of their loved ones as family, and I was pleased to hear that."], the Senator shared.

In his remarks at a dinner hosted by the Filipino Community, Ambassador Pedro "Junie" Laylo, Jr. expressed appreciation for Senator Padilla's visit. "Kinikarangal po namin na makasama at tanggapin ang ating magiting na Senador na bumisita dito sa atin para pag-aralan ang mga innovation at technology sa Israel na pwedeng magamit sa Pilipinas. Tuwang-tuwa tayo na kahit busy ang schedule ni Senator ay pinuntahan niya tayo" [We are honored to welcome our brave Senator who visited us here to study Israeli innovation and technology which can benefit the Philippines. We are very glad that despite the Senator's busy schedule he took time to be with us."], the envoy said.

The Ambassador then assured the Senator of the Embassy's continued support for his legislative goals, follow-through actions, and other initiatives for productive cooperation with Israeli partners. END