One-strike policy vs government workers into drugs pushed

MANILA, Philippines — The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) is standing firm on its position to implement a one-strike policy against government personnel who will test positive for drug use even as it has yet to reconcile with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) on the sanctions that would be imposed.

For Catalino Cuy, DDB chairman, the sanction should be dismissal from service for public employees and officials who will be found positive for illegal drugs, even if it is just a first offense.

“We are standing our ground. It’s a DDB regulation and we wanted to be strict with government officials,” he said.

The CSC issued a “more lenient” resolution last year to let drug-using government employees undergo treatment and rehabilitation.

So far, the two agencies have agreed that all uniformed personnel should be subjected to the one-strike policy – meaning all police, military and law enforcement agents, including those of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the National Bureau of Investigation, will be dismissed from service when tested positive for drugs.

Cuy added that his office is also discussing with the Department of Education (DepEd) to include teachers in the one-strike rule. 

“We need to be strict with teachers because they influence people. They (DepEd) will prepare their drug-free workplace policy,” he said. 

As for elected government officials, Cuy said they have yet to talk with the Department of the Interior Local Government as local governments have the autonomy to implement their own drug-free work place policies.