SC orders drug testing for court officials, workers, applicants

FILE: Facade of Supreme Court of the Philippines (PNA photo)

MANILA – The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday said fresh guidelines are in effect requiring drug testing as part of pre-employment requirements, as well as random drug testing for officials and employees, to ensure that the Judiciary remains drug-free.

In a statement, the court said the Guidelines for the Implementation of a Drug-Free Policy in the Judiciary takes effect immediately after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation on Sept. 17.

Employees found positive for dangerous drug use shall be dealt with administratively, and such finding shall be a ground for suspension or termination, subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Law and court rules, the SC said.

The guidelines apply to all officials or personnel of the Judiciary, regardless of status of appointment, who are employed at the SC, the Court of Appeals, the Sandiganbayan, the Court of Tax Appeals, and the first- and second-level courts under the direct supervision of the Office of the Court Administrator.

It also covers employees in the Judicial and Bar Council, Judicial Integrity Board, Philippine Judicial Academy, Office of the Judiciary Marshals, Mandatory Continuing Legal Office, and all other offices placed under the supervision of the SC.

Other workers detailed or working in the courts such as security and janitorial services personnel hired through service contracts, and employees detailed as members of the Senate Electoral Tribunal and House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal are also subject to the requirements.