Duterte wants on the spot drug tests for policemen, security guards, PUV drivers

Known for his strong stance against illegal drugs, incoming President Rodrigo Duterte said he will implement mandatory drug testing in the Philippine National Police (PNP).

A report on "24 Oras Weekend" by GMA News reporter Dano Tingcungco said the incoming president's pronouncement came after he said unscrupulous policemen were involved in the selling of drugs during a rave concert in Pasay City where five people died due to suspected drug overdose.

"On July 1, mandatory lahat ng pulis from generals down (to the lowest rank)," he told reporters

Duterte said he wants to use more advance methods for drug testing instead of the conventional urine test.

"At gusto ko yung bago, ayoko ng ihi ihi kasi tumatago kayo eh, yung parang sa diabetes na, ipasok mo lang depende na kung ano kulay lumabas. Yun yong galing sa Japan, ang gusto kong bilhin," he said.

The incoming president added, "Gusto ko mag-blood test ka diyan sa harap ko."

The PNP spokesman said it is already conducting random mandatory drug testing  among police personnel.

"Pag nag-positive, iimbestigahan ang pulis dadaan naman sa due process. Pero yung mga (mapapatunayang) gumagamit dapat lang mawala," Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said.

Duterte said he also plans to implement mandatory drug testing among public utility and commercial drivers and security guards.

"Security guards, yang long distance driving, kaya pag ako na ang presidente number is one before the trip, drug test ka muna," he said.

"Bumibira yan kasi walang tulugan eh, Manila to...to keep them awake, they take uppers. So mandatory yan lahat ng truck (driver) na bumibiyahe long distance and even to Bicol, lalo na yung gabi," the incoming president added.

Commenting on Duterte's pronouncement, Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the government body that has jurisdiction over public utility vehicles, said the incoming president's plan are good but it needs fund allocation to be implemented.

"Kung bawat biyahe na lang, grabe gastos sa mga drug testing kit, not to mention yung mga na mag-iimplement nito," said LTFRB boardmember Ariel Inton.

Some drivers of jeep, bus, taxi, and UV Express, expressed their views regarding Duterte's pronouncement, the report said.

"Okay yan sa akin, para wala nang adik na magmamaneho," a jeep driver said.

A taxi driver, however, opposed it, "Abala samin yun pag araw araw drug test. Eh meron man lang sana ibigay muna na araw o buwan na maano ng driver."

"Para iwas disgrasya at maalis yung haka haka na kami gumagamit ng bawal na gamot," a UV Express driver said.

Also, the Philippine Association of Detective and Protective Agency Operators (PADPAO) gave their comment on the incoming president's plan to implement mandatory drug testing in their corp.

"It's a good move however a lot of things have to be considered hindi lang basta basta ito. Maapektuhan lahat to include our clients our principals. Pag nangyari yan tataasan namin ang admin overhead namin," said retired colonel Manuel Espejo, executive vice president of PADPAO.

Espejo added, they are conducting drug tests before issuing a license to a security guard and one random drug test.

Moreover, a drug test is included in a security guard's annual physical exam.

Espejo said they also subject a security guard to a drug test if they see signs that he is using illegal drugs. — APG, GMA News