Random drug tests on government employees pushed

MANILA, Philippines – The Dangerous Drugs Board, in an effort to further strengthen the fight against substance abuse in the Philippines, is calling for the conduct of random drug tests for government employees.

After revealing how some 1.7 million Filipinos are still addicted to shabu, marijuana and other prohibited drugs, it recommended that government offices be purged of drug users.

DDB vice chairperson Paul Oaminal said Article V, Section 47, of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 warrants the conduct of random drug tests on public employees.

He explained that the law declares a policy by the state to promote drug-free workplaces which covers private and public offices with 10 or more personnel.

Oaminal said government offices are being informed that there is legal basis for conducting random drug tests based on Article II, Section 36, Paragraph D which states that “Officers and employees of public and private offices, whether domestic or overseas, shall undergo a random drug test as contained in the company’s work rules and regulations, which shall be borne by the employer, for purposes of reducing the risk in the workplace.

The law, he explained, further states that “Any officer or employee found positive for use of dangerous drugs shall be dealt with administratively which shall be a ground for suspension or termination, subject to the provisions of Article 282 of the Labor Code and pertinent provisions of the Civil Service Law: Provided, that the Department of Labor and Employment and the Civil Service Commission, as the case may be, shall see to it that this provision is implemented.”

Oaminal said he is challenging city and municipal mayors and heads of government owned and controlled corporations (GOCC) to be the first to implement drug free workplace programs.

Oaminal said he has furnished the Civil Service Commission of DDB Resolution No. 64, Series of 2008, the DDB’s drug-free workplace program, suggesting that the same be used as a blueprint for other government agencies and offices. –Michael Punongbayan (The Philippine Star)