SC to require drug testing as pre-employment requirement in judiciary

The Supreme Court on Monday announced that it will require drug testing as part of the pre-employment requirement in the Judiciary.

In a statement, the SC said this is part of its Guidelines for the Implementation of a Drug-Free Policy in the Judiciary.

Aside from this, the Court said court employees will also be subjected to random mandatory drug tests during their employment. Those found positive for the use of drugs will be dealt with administratively.

The Court further said that a positive finding may be a ground for suspension or termination of the employee’s employment.

Meanwhile, the SC said the guidelines cover all officials and personnel of the SC, the Court of Appeals, the Sandiganbayan, the Court of Tax Appeals, and the first and second-level courts under the direct supervision of the Office of the Court Administrator.

It also covers employees of the Judicial and Bar Council, Judicial Integrity Board, Philippine Judicial Academy, Office of the Judiciary Marshals, Mandatory Continuing Legal Office, and all other offices placed under the SC.

The Court said the guidelines immediately took effect after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation on September 17. — Joaha Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA Integrated News