Brace for mandatory drug test »Manila Newsletter News

By Merlina Hernando-Malipot

Students in universities, colleges, and other higher education institutions (HEIs) will be subject to mandatory random drug testing starting academic year 2019-2020.

President Prospero of Vera III has argued that HEIs are expected to be implemented as a mandatory random drug test.

CHED Chairman Prospero de Vera III
(RTVM / MANILA BULLETIN)

Vera, in CHED Memorandum No. 18 series of 2018, issued the implementing guidelines for the conduct of drug testing of students in all HEIs. Under the guidelines, he noted that "the drug problem in the Philippines continues to be a serious concern for the public as well as for the social and emotional issues. well as the economic well-being of the citizenry. "

In this study, the authors noted that the government recognizes the role of the public and the role of the patient in the management of these patients. to parents. "

Aside from random drug testing, De Vera said that HEI may, "within the parameters of its institutional academic freedom" also include in its Student's Handbook a "policy for the conduct of mandatory drug testing as a requirement for admission and retention," after In the case of a drug test, the subject of the test is considered to be one of the following: that the positive findings are a result of the drug test. "The author states that the fee for drug testing will be determined by the student-applicant. drug facility or the authorized facility of the HEI, if any.

Vera said that CHED – as part of its mandate – "has the duty to continuously monitor the effectiveness of the drug abuse prevention program" through their respective regional / field offices "and may" enlist the assistance of any government agency or instrumentality to carry out the objectives of the program. "

The HEIs, De Vera said, "The health and safety of children and their children and their children."

CHED said it recognizes the academic freedom of all HEIs, particularly in the implementation of a policy on mandatory random drug testing of their school or admission and retention requirements.

CHED said that Local Government Units (LGUs), the Philippines National Police (PNP), or any authorized law enforcement agency HEIs priority to its conduct. "

It is recommended that the subject of this Act be made under the authority of the United States of America. ensure that this is implemented for drug prevention and rehabilitation purposes and will guarantee the respect of the personal privacy and dignity of the students. "

The drug test results, De Vera said, will be "treated with utmost confidentiality and can not be used in any criminal proceedings."

Ultimately, De Vera explained that the implementing guidelines aim to promote a "drug-free" campus "and further the" interest of the government in prevention and deterring dangerous drug use among the youth. " of the students that dangerous drugs not only interfere in their ability to learn but also disrupt the teaching environment. "

Vera said that the guidelines were issued to strengthen the partnership between the government and the HEIs in providing programs and activities designed to facilitate holistic and well-rounded student development and to ensure that the testing of HEIs is reasonable and not violating the fundamental rights of the students. "

CHD also hopes to strengthen the collaborative efforts of DDB, Department of Health (DOH), PNP and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) against drug users and dependents . "

"Likewise," he said, "DOH-accredited drug facility, or private medical practitioner." shall conduct the necessary drug testing. "If the HEI does not have an accredited clinic, the HEI should partner with a DOH-accredited drug facility, a physician or private medical practitioner accredited to administer drug.