DepEd to implement drug testing in RP schools

The Department of Education (DepEd) would have to undertake the daunting task of drawing up the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for random drug testing in schools.

Thelma Santos, DepEd Health and Nutrition Center director, said that the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) decided that the DepEd will be the lead agency in spearheading a comprehensive IRR that would pave the way for the implementation of random drug testing in public and private schools, colleges and universities in the country.

Santos said the DepEd will be holding a consultative meeting with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the National Youth Commission, and other concerned agencies and organizations on Tuesday to prepare in drafting the guidelines for the IRR.

Education Secretary Edilberto de Jesus and CHED chairman Bro. Rolly Dizon had earlier said they were waiting for the DDB or the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to send them the IRR before implementing the project.

De Jesus, reacting on the comments of various student and teacher groups opposing the anti-drug use procedure, had said that since it is ordered by law, there is no choice but to enforce it.

He urged these groups to "challenge the law", which is Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.

The law mandates drug testing for teachers and students.