By Gabriel Kim Leal
(September 16, 2024) – Sen. Bato Dela Rosa on Monday raised concerns about the current coverage of government-mandated drug tests, saying cocaine, heroin, and ecstasy should also be included.
Dela Rosa made his suggestion during the budget hearing for the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), citing an earlier recommendation of Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero.
“Kapag sinabi mo na mag-drug test ka, maglabas ka ng result, negative. Ano ba ibig sabihin ng negative na ‘yan? Negative for shabu use or marijuana use, ‘di ba? So, how about ‘yung gumagamit ng cocaine, heroine, ecstacy? They are also illegal drugs,” said Dela Rosa.
But DDB undersecretary Earl Saavedra confirmed that current drug tests already cover seven panels: Marijuana, cocaine, codeine, morphine, amphetamines, ecstasy, and heroin.’
Saavedra, however, acknowledged that they can improve on strictly enforcing the said panels.
He added that there is already a costing equivalent for the kits necessary for expanded drug tests, which would need additional funding.
“Mabigat ang policy kapag ginawa niyo ‘yan,” said Dela Rosa. “PDEA has to implement it. DOH (Department of Health) has to implement it. Lahat ng (government) agencies na nagko-conduct ng drug testing.”
Meanwhile, he jokingly asked PDEA if hair follicle tests—used to detect drug use—could be done on bald individuals.
“’Pag sinabing hair, hair lang talaga sa ulo? Baka puwede ‘yung hair sa ilong. Hair sa genitals,” asked Dela Rosa.
PDEA chief Virgilio Lazo said other body hair can be used but it becomes “useless” if the person decides to cut or shave it.
Hair follicle testing made headlines recently after critics of Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr., including former president Rodrigo Duterte, urged him to take it amid allegations of drug use.
(PM)
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