Bill seeks random drug testing

Two lawmakers are pushing random, instead of mandatory drug tests, for public officials, high school and college students, and applicants for firearms and driver’s licenses.

Reps. Rufus Rodriguez and Maximo Rodriguez Jr. have filed a bill seeking to amend Section 36 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 requiring mandatory drug testing.

Under the proposal, random drug tests will also be done on officers and employees of public and private offices, whether domestic or overseas, officers and members of the military, police and other law-enforcement agencies.

Also included in the tests are people charged for criminal offenses punishable with imprisonment of six years, and candidates for public office whether appointed or elected.

Based on the latest data from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency ( PDEA), less than 1 percent of the 14 million people who underwent mandatory drug testing in various accredited laboratories in the country tested positive for drugs.

“The finding, however, does not mean that trafficking and use of dangerous drugs have been successfully abated,” the lawmakers said.

They said the bill aims to achieve a balance in the national drug control program so that people with legitimate medical needs are not prevented from being treated with adequate amounts of appropriate medications, which include the use of regulated drugs.