Press Release
October 19, 2016

Bam: Results of mandatory random drug testing
in schools to remain confidential

Concerned government agencies assured that the planned mandatory random drug testing will not tread on the rights of students but merely determine the prevalence of illegal drugs in schools, according to Sen. Bam Aquino.

During the hearing of the Committee on Education on how the dangers of illegal drugs are being taught in schools, officials from the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Department of Education (DepEd) said results of drug testing will be confidential and will not be used in shame campaigns.

"Kung may nag-positive [sa drug test], hindi puwedeng gamitin iyan para pahiyain ang isang bata o paalisin sa eskwelahan. There's a lot of confidentiality involved," said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Education.

"Iyong layunin nito ay para malaman natin kung gaano kalantaran ang paggamit ng droga sa ating mga eskwelahan. Hindi para i-kick-out ang mga batang positibo sa drug test," the senator added.

Sen. Bam said the DepEd and other government agencies will help students who will be tested positive through a rehabilitation program and peer counseling.

"Kailangan silang tulungan para makalampas sa kaniyang problema. Siguro kailangang ipasok sa rehab o magsagawa ng mga drug intervention programs," the senator said.

Aside from mandatory random drug testing, the DDB has institutionalized the "Barkada Kontra Droga" program to help keep the youth away from illegal drugs.

During the hearing, Sen. Bam urged concerned government agencies to consolidate and update all drug prevention programs to eradicate the drug problem.

Sen. Bam has filed Senate Resolution No. 168 to determine the status of drug education and prevention programs in schools and alternative learning systems (ALS) to help keep the youth away from the drug menace.

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