Random drug tests start anytime soon

CEBU, Philippines - Random drug testing in both public and private high schools in Cebu City may start anytime soon, as the Dangerous Drugs Board yesterday said they are now “all systems go” for the implementation of the new policy.

DDB vice chairman Clarence Paul Oaminal said he would not reveal when they will go to schools, saying it will take away the element of surprise. “Mawala na ang element of surprise, mao gani surprise random drug test,” he said as he denied reports that the drug testing will start on Monday.

According to him, the team from the Department of Health in Manila is all ready for the random drug test but they not release information as to when and where the tests will be made.

Oaminal said the regional office of the Department of Education will be assisting in the drug test by facilitating the parental consent of the students who will undergo the drug test.

“DDB’s part for this drug test is the funding and giving of guidelines as to how the test would run about,” Oaminal added.

The official also assured the parents who have doubts about the process, saying it is not the first time that the drug test is conducted as they have started doing it since 2005 and so they have nothing to worry about. Oaminal said the random drug testing is already going on in National Capital Region, and so far it has been going smoothly.

The surprise random drug testing in both private and public high schools was implemented in order to lessen drug addiction among the youth by rehabilitating students as well as teachers who would be tested positive of drugs. — AJ de la Torre/WAB(THE FREEMAN)