Panelo on mandatory drug tests in schools : ‘A good idea’

“I think that’s a good idea.”

That is how Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo reacted to the proposal of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to conduct mandatory drug testing on students from Grade 4 and above.

“At least parents will know whether or not their children are addicted or being used in the drug industry,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing on Thursday.

The Palace official issued the statement after a survey showed that 51 percent of Filipinos approve of the PDEA’s proposal.

The same survey also showed that 36 percent do not approve of the proposal while 13 percent are undecided on it.

READ: 51% of Filipinos agree with mandatory drug testing in schools 

Panelo said the proposal was meant to ensure the safety of the family, insisting that as a parent himself, he will welcomes it.

“That is for the benefit of the family. i think all parents will welcome it, I will welcome it as a parent,” he said.

Asked if the proposal is in violation of a certain law, Panelo, who is also the Presidetn’s chief legal counsel, said: “I don’t think there is.”

“As I said, I don’t think a parent will disagree or oppose such an idea. As a parent I will want it because we will never know how our children in schools will be influenced or used by persons outside the family,” he added.  /muf