SC denies mandatory drug tests order for judges, judiciary workers

Supreme Court spokesperson Camille Ting on Thursday denied claims that the Office of the Court Administrator ordered mandatory drug tests for judges and employees of the judiciary.

In a statement, Ting said a circular was issued requiring “all judges and court personnel of the first and second level courts to undergo a basic annual physical examination on or before Oct. 15.”

But it did not require a mandatory drug test. The annual health examination of court employees is part of the first-ever comprehensive healthcare plan for the entire judiciary in partnership with Kaiser International Health Group Inc. and Manila Bankers and General Assurance Corp.

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

The health-care plan covers all incumbent justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals, and Sandiganbayan; judges from the first- and second-level courts; and all officials and employees across all court levels. —JANE BAUTISTA