Gov’t workers positive for drug use even on first offense face dismissal—PDEA

Government workers found positive for using illegal drugs even on the first offense face dismissal from service, a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) official said Wednesday. (Photo: Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency by Morilou Caceres Rebancos/ Facebook)

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna—Government workers found positive for using illegal drugs even on the first offense face dismissal from service, a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) official said Wednesday.

Mary Ann Lorenzo, PDEA 4-A (Calabarzon) information officer, told a news conference that the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) has adopted the stand of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) on the removal of employees or officials in government service who are tested positive for drug use.

Lorenzo referred to DDB Resolution No. 2 series of 2017 that was approved on February 14 this year, which amended Section 2 of DDB Regulation No. 2 series of 2004.

With the new DDB resolution, a government worker on first offense for drug use is meted out with dismissal from service after submitting to disciplinary administrative proceedings and due process, she explained.

Lorenzo clarified, however, that dangerous drugs may include those that require medical prescriptions to treat certain disease or ailment.

Without such prescription, the person is deemed in possession of dangerous drugs, which is a violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

According to PDEA, all government agencies now are required to support President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s war against illegal drugs through the implementation of a “Drug-Free Workplace Policy.”

She noted that drug tests shall only be conducted by a government-accredited drug testing laboratory.

In support to the CSC’s call for a safe workplace, PDEA Calabarzon is conducting an advocacy and awareness campaign, including trainings, in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon besides its enforcement function.

Lorenzo said that part of this campaign for a drug-free institution is putting up the signage “This is a Drug-Free Workplace. Let’s Keep it This Way.”