Anti-drug operations allowed in HEIs — CHED

MANILA, Philippines — Law enforcement agencies may conduct anti-illegal drug operations in the premises of higher education institutions (HEIs) provided they coordinate with school officials, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) said over the weekend.

CHED chairman J. Prospero de Vera III said any legitimate drug-related operation may be conducted in tertiary institutions in line with the dangerous drugs prevention program of the government.

De Vera was reacting to the recently-issued guidelines on the conduct of drug testing on college students.

“The local government units, the Philippine National Police or any authorized law enforcement agency may carry out any legitimate drug-related operation within the school premises, provided that the same will be coordinated with the concerned HEIs prior to the conduct thereof,” a memorandum dated Oct. 26 read.

No specific guidelines on the conduct of anti-illegal drug operations on campus have been issued.

De Vera has yet to respond to an inquiry on whether there will be limitations on the conduct of such operations, including bringing in and use of firearms inside the premises of educational institutions.

Police officials earlier warned against the supposed proliferation of illegal drugs among students.

They proposed programs such as surprise inspections and drug tests to address the issue.

In the memorandum, the CHED directed all public and private HEIs to conduct random drug testing on college students starting next year.

It also allowed tertiary institutions to implement drug testing on all students as part of its admission and retention policies.

“The drug problem in the Philippines continues to remain a serious national concern that permeates both the public and private sectors not only as a security issue, but also as a health concern that affects the social, emotional, psychological, as well as the economic well-being of the citizenry,” read the memorandum.

“All HEIs are enjoined to include in their student’s handbook the conduct of mandatory random drug testing of students, with notice to parents. Aside from random drug testing, an HEI may, within the parameters of its institutional academic freedom, also include in its student’s handbook a policy for the conduct of mandatory drug testing as a requirement for admission and retention, after observation of consultation and other similar requirements,” it added.

The CHED said the conduct of the mandatory random drug testing is in line with provisions of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and should be implemented in accordance with regulations of the Dangerous Drugs Board.

Youth groups earlier expressed concern that the conduct of drug testing on students might result in deadly anti-illegal drug operations in academic institutions.

“Academic freedom should not be about incriminating students. Drug testing should be non-mandatory, and it should not be a requirement for admission in schools,” the National Union of Students of the Philippines said.

The Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan said the policies and guidelines for the conduct of drug testing on students runs counter to the government’s efforts to make education accessible for all.

The group said allowing schools to block students who fail the drug test denies citizens of their universal right to accessible quality education.