Military, cops, elected pols, Palace appointees exempted from CSC drug tests

MANILA, Philippines — The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has exempted law enforcers, including the military and the police, from its mandatory random drug testing.

In a statement on Tuesday, the CSC said elective officials and presidential appointees are also exempted from the mandatory random drug testing.

The CSC said public officials will instead be covered by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) mandatory drug testing policy.

“The Commission (CSC) specified that officers and members of the military, police, and other law enforcement agencies are exempted from CSC’s policy and shall be subjected to DDB Regulation No. 13, s. 2018,” the CSC explained in a statement.

DDB Regulation No. 13 issued on Aug. 30 2018 provides that public officials and employees found positive for drug use at first instance shall be subjected to disciplinary/administrative proceedings with a penalty of dismissal from the service.

“Elective officials and presidential appointees are also exempted from CSC’s policy on mandatory random drug testing,” it added.

The CSC said exempted public officials can file their petition for exemption before the CSC. The procedures of which are specified in the CSC Resolution No. 1700653.

The resolution providing for the exemption was published on a major broadsheet on May 5 and shall be effective 15 days after, the CSC added. (Editor: Jonathan P. Vicente)