TV networks should have choice on drug tests, says media watchdog

Media watchdog Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) said on Friday television networks should have the choice on whether celebrities will be required to undergo drug tests.

"Whether its employees, celebrities or not, should pass a drug test should be the media organization's choice," CMFR Board of Trustees member Luis Teodoro said in a statement.

"If the company thinks it should be a condition of employment because a drug habit will adversely affect the employees' capacity to perform his duties, or may endanger others, then it may impose it," he added.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency director general Aaron Aquino had challenged TV networks to conduct surprise and mandatory drug tests among their artists. 

He made the remark after PDEA said at least 31 celebrities were included in the narco list, "most" in their 20s and 30s while 11 are "actresses."

But Teodoro opposed the proposal of Aquino, saying the safety of celebrities are at stake "given the present context in which mere suspicion that one is either a drug addict or drug pusher can lead to one's being harmed or even killed."

"The results of such tests should be confidential not only because the Data Privacy Act mandates that health records are sensitive information and should not be shared with anyone without the consent of the subject, but also because it can endanger him or her," Teodoro said.

The PDEA had clarified that the list is still up for further validation, while the Philippine National Police admitted that acquiring evidence linking celebrities to illegal drugs was difficult.

Commission on Human Rights spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia echoed the CMFR statement, saying employers and the government should be cautious if mandatory drug tests push through.

De Guia cited the 2014 Supreme Court ruling which ruled such tests is a violation on a person’s right to privacy and against self-incrimination.

“Should they push forward with mandatory drug testing, it should be mindful of the proper standards of confidentiality and be done within the bounds of the law. They must also ensure that any findings are punished commensurate to the offense, and that it observes due process of the law,” she said.—LDF, GMA News