Drug tests for government men now allowed

A government employee with a drug habit may soon find himself out of a job.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) said yesterday that all government employees can be subjected to regular or random drug testing to ensure that only those who are physically and mentally fit to hold public office are retained.

The CSC issued this clarification to answer a query posed by Philippine Ports Authority assistant general manager Aida Dizon on whether the PPA may legally subject all its existing personnel to drug testing.

"The detrimental effects of the use of prohibited drugs on the productivity and efficiency of employees cannot be denied. Including drug testing in an agency’s health evaluation system for the continuous assessment of the physical and mental fitness of its employees is valid," CSC legal affairs director Florencio Gabriel Jr. said.

Gabriel added that heads of government agencies have the discretion to determine what particular health examinations may be given to their employees, depending on the differences in finances, logistics and peculiar needs of their offices.

He said that a drug test is one of the optional examinations that may be included in a government agency’s health evaluation program.

"Conducting medical examinations, including drug tests, is a management prerogative," Gabriel said.

He noted that a government agency may require its employees to undergo medical examinations as part of the condition for their continued employment.

Government employees who test positive for the use of prohibited drugs may be dismissed from service.

At the CSC, an applicant is required undergo a medical examination — which may include a drug test — prior to being hired. CSC employees are required to comply with a yearly medical examination for the duration of their stay in office.