Solons want random drug testing

MANILA, Philippines - Two legislators have filed a bill seeking to implement random drug testing instead of mandatory, in a bid to eradicate drug use and trafficking in the country.

Cagaya de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and Abante Mindanao partylist Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr. said House Bill 3698 aims to help government pursue an intensive and unrelenting campaign against the trafficking and use of dangerous drugs and other similar substances through an integrated system of planning, implementation and enforcement of anti-drug abuse polices, programs and projects.

Rodriguez cited recent statistics of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, which showed that of the 14 million people who underwent the mandatory drug testing in various accredited laboratories in the country, only .006 percent were found positive.

"The finding, however, does not mean that trafficking and use of dangerous drugs has been successfully abated. There is a need to amend Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002," Rodriguez said.

Under the bill, Section 36 of RA 9165 is amended authorizing the random drug testing instead of the mandatory one on applicants for driver's license, firearm's license and permit to carry firearms outside of the residence and students of secondary and tertiary schools.

The bill also requires random drug testing for officers and employees of public and private offices, whether domestic or overseas, officers and members of the military police and other law enforcement agencies, persons charged before the prosecutor's office with a criminal offense having an imposable penalty of imprisonment of six years and candidates for public office whether appointed or elected both in national or local government.

Rodriguez said the bill also 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 dangerous drugs.

The bill also provides effective mechanisms or measures to re-integrate into society, individuals who have fallen victims to drug abuse or dangerous drug dependence through sustainable programs of treatment and rehabilitation.