Lawmakers propose mandatory drug tests in schools, gov’t offices

Legislators in the House of Representatives have backed three proposed laws aimed at boosting the government’s antinarcotics campaign by carrying out mandatory drug tests in schools and government offices.

Both House Bill No. 3611 authored by Masbate Rep. Scott Davies Lanete and HB 3191 by Misamis Oriental Rep. Peter Unabia seek to authorize random drug testing in all government offices, while HB 3640 by Agbiag Rep. Michelle Antonio mandates annual drug testing of all students in secondary, tertiary and vocational schools.

The bills were tackled on Wednesday by the dangerous drugs committee chaired by Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, and the initial response has been positive.

ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, however, cautioned the committee on possible adverse effects drug testing might have on students, and the stigma that might attach to those who may be wrongly diagnosed as positive.

Castro suggested that representatives of educational institutions be invited to the next hearing to give feedback on the proposal.

Health Assistant Secretary Elmer Punzalan said less than 1 percent of drug test subjects in previous national random drug testing turned up positive for illegal drugs.

Dangerous Drugs Board Chair Benjamin Reyes assured the committee all previous drug tests in schools were treated with confidentiality./rga