EO 66 boosts war on illegal drugs
With the proliferation of illegal drugs considered a “serious national concern,” President Duterte has further boosted his war on illegal drugs with the issuance of Executive Order No. 66.
Under EO 66, which institutionalizes the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS), the President directed all government agencies to implement the national strategy on drug prevention and control that includes the implementation of a “drug-free workplace programs” and “authorized drug testing.”
Private institutions, non-government organizations, and civil society groups are also encouraged by the President to support the anti-drug programs, including drug tests.
The PADS outlines the government’s comprehensive and integrated efforts to strengthen the campaign against illegal drugs.
“The proliferation of prohibited drugs and their precursors is a serious national concern, encompassing social, economic, psychological and economic interests, which necessitates the ac- tive and unified involvement of various government and non-government agencies,” the order read.
“To ensure the successful implementation of the PADS and to demonstrate our country's resolve in confronting the issue on illegal drugs, it is necessary to ensure that government and non-government entities carry out their respective functions and tasks under the PADS,” it added.
Under EO 66, the President designated the DDB as the lead agency in the implementation of the PADS.
Government agencies, including government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs) have been directed to formulate and submit to the DDB their respective operational plans relative to PADS within 60 days from the effectivity of EO 66. The EO, signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea last October 29, takes effect upon publication in a newspaper.
All government entities and local government units shall also craft and adopt their drug-free workplace programs and conduct authorized drug testing among their officials and personnel.