SC clarifies: No mandatory drug test for judges, judiciary employees

Inquirer photo/Niño Jesus Orbeta

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) debunked on Wednesday claims that its Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) ordered mandatory drug testing for judges and employees of the judiciary.

In a statement, the SC Public Information Office addressed a post circulating online claiming that the OCA issued Circular No. 246-2024 mandating all judges, officers, and employees to undergo mandatory tests.

In response, the court’s spokesperson Atty. Camille Ting explained that the circular enjoins “all judges and court personnel of the first and second level courts to undergo a basic annual physical examination on or before October 15,” but did not require a mandatory drug test.

READ: Paolo Duterte wants periodic drug tests for all government officials

“Under Item F.5 of the Judiciary Health Care Plan on Annual Physical Examination, drug testing of judges, officials, and employees is included on a RANDOM BASIS,” Ting added.

Recently, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte filed a bill that seeks to require drug tests for all government officials every six months.

According to Duterte, House Bill (HB), No. 10744 seeks to amend Section 36 of the Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, requiring a hair follicle drug test as an initial test and then a urine drug test as a confirmatory test for driver’s license applicants and government officials–whether elected or appointed.

HB No. 10744 was welcomed by the Majority bloc of the lower chamber, but lawmakers hope that Duterte will attend the committee hearing to defend it.