Random drug tests in high schools ongoing

The government has proceeded with its plan to conduct random drug tests among public and private high school students nationwide, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said the conduct of random drug tests is ongoing, but she declined to provide additional details due to the confidentiality of the program.

“What I can say is that the random drug testing will not be the basis for kicking out the student or kicking out a faculty member. It will be the basis for treatment,” she said during the opening of classes on Monday.

During the weekly Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum yesterday, Education Undersecretary Jesus Mateo addressed concerns over the possible impact of the test to the students.

“We implemented measures to protect the privacy of the students. We are working with the Department of Health on this effort,” he said.

“We are fighting for the lives and the future of the students in this program. Through this, we will be able to help (those who will test positive) through counseling,” he added.

In the same forum, National Capital Region Police Office director Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar said students who will test positive during random drug tests will not be criminally liable.

“They will not become outcasts,” he said. “Our primary concern is to help and protect them (from the ills of illegal drugs).”

Last year, the DepEd released the guidelines for the conduct of the random drug tests, which Briones previously said could cover as many as 60,000 students.

Based on the guidelines, the program shall guarantee and respect the personal privacy and dignity of the students, noting that the results will be treated with utmost confidentiality.

It also noted that a positive test result will not be a ground for expulsion or disciplinary action, will not reflect on the students’ academic record or be used to incriminate the student for further legal action.

Students who will test positive will be referred to a local social worker for counseling and other interventions. The DepEd said parents may also enroll the student in a private rehabilitation center.

“If the student shows no signs of improvement or recovery, or fails the drug test the second time, the Department of Health-accredited facility or physician may make a recommendation to the student, parent or drug testing coordinator to have a student referred to (a facility),” the guidelines read.

Surprise inspection

Eleazar also raised yesterday his previous proposal to conduct surprise inspections on lockers and bags of students.

He said this could be a good deterrent from those who are already engaged in illegal drug activities.

Mateo said they would study the proposal to ensure that the rights of the students are not violated.