PNP hints of random drug tests in call centers

MANILA, Philippines - Aside from schools and universities, random drug tests may be held in call centers and business establishments as part of government's intensified anti-drug drive, police said. But Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman, admitted this will require the cooperation of the management of the concerned establishments. "Nasa management na rin ng corporation, palagay ko papunta diyan ang aming effort. Pati sa pulis may random testing (It will be up to the management of the corporations concerned. I think we are going toward that. Even in the police, there is random testing)," Bartolome said in an interview on dzXL radio. He said that in the PNP, the drug tests are serious and had resulted in the ouster of several police personnel. "Maraming na-dismiss dahil napapatunayan gumagamit sila ng droga (Many policemen were dismissed from the service after it was learned they were using drugs)," he said. Bartolome earlier said that with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo personally at the helm, they expect a "more coordinated" drive against illegal drugs. On Tuesday, Mrs Arroyo named herself government's anti-drug czar in the wake of the "Alabang Boys" scandal, where alleged bribes were offered for the release of three boys from rich families. Earlier, President Arroyo ordered Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez to have the prosecutors handling the case go on leave. Justice Undersecretary Ricardo Blancaflor also went on a five-day leave. Bartolome said Mrs Arroyo's naming herself anti-drug czar will have a "favorable" effect in the fight against drugs. "Definitely malaki ang magiging epekto nito. Favorable para sa isang coordinated effort para magkaroon ng united front against illegal drugs. Bilang chief executive magagamit ang lahat na ating mga ahensya upang magkaisa para sa pagsugpo ng illegal drugs," he said. (Definitely this will have a big effect. This will be favorable toward a coordinated effort to have a united front against illegal drugs. As chief executive, she can direct all agencies to unite and fight illegal drugs.) - GMANews.TV