DepEd’s Briones opposes random checks on bags, lockers of students

Education Secretary Leonor Briones is opposed to the proposed random checks of bags and lockers of students in connection with the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

Earlier Wednesday, National Capital Region Police Office head Chief Superintendent Guillermo Eleazar recommended conducting the surprise inspections in order to prevent students from being involved in drugs.

“I would have some reservations. It has to be strongly justified because the very idea of inspecting the properties of our learners and our teachers already is an admission that there is a suspicion. And there are ways, others ways of finding out,” Briones said.

Briones said the DepEd is already conducting random drug tests on personnel, teachers and students in order to help curb the drug problem in schools.

Where the tests are conducted and who are picked to undergo the tests are strictly confidential, in accordance with the National Privacy Act.

“If a child or a teacher tests positive, first the test has to be done again. It is not a basis for expulsion, for suspension,” Briones explained. — RSJ, GMA News