MANILA, Philippines — As a fulfillment of its promise to support President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on illegal drugs, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said it would conduct random drug testing of its employees.
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II made the announcement during the 119th founding anniversary of the Justice department. He called for the cooperation of prosecutors and other DOJ employees.
“We cannot prosecute if we ourselves are tainted by the very drugs that we seek to eradicate,” Aguirre said.
“We cannot clean the houses of our countrymen if our own house is not clean and not in order. Only by clean hands and souls can we rightfully prosecute,” he added.
In his anniversary speech, Aguirre also sought for further cooperation of employees as the agency plays a role in making the country crime-free. He said Duterte made it clear that the DOJ, its people and agencies would be in charge of fighting the “three-headed beast” namely illegal drugs, corruption and criminality.
“I apologize to all if in the midst of celebration I would have to ask you to sacrifice some more,” Aguirre said.
“The elimination of these three (illegal drugs, corruption, criminality) is the primary marching order of the president to me. And when he handed me the stewardships of the DOJ, now that is the marching order as well,” he added, saying it is their task to restore the public’s faith and trust to the judicial system.
Meanwhile, Aguirre also announced that the agency would set up a DOJ academy to train employees. He also said there would be a P1,500 culture allowance for employees in time for the anniversary as well as a performance bonus.
Aguirre assumed office last June 30. It is his first time to celebrate the founding anniversary of the DOJ.