By Genalyn Kabiling With the proliferation of illegal drugs considered a “serious national concern,” President Duterte has issued Executive Order No. 66 institutionalizing the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS). President Duterte
(Malacañang photo / MANILA BULLETIN) The President has directed all government agencies to implement the national strategy on drug prevention and control that includes the implementation of a “drug-free workplace programs” and "authorized drug testing." Private institutions, non-government organizations and civil society groups are also encouraged by the President to support the anti-drug programs including drug tests. The PADS, formulated by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), outlines the government’s comprehensive and integrated efforts to strengthen the campaign against illegal drugs and contribute to global efforts to counter the drug problem. "The proliferation of prohibited drugs and their precursors is a serious national concern, encompassing social, economic, psychological and economic interests, which necessitates the active and unified involvement of various government and non-government agencies," the order read. "To ensure the successful implementation of the PADS and to demonstrate our country's resolve in confronting the issue on illegal drugs, it is necessary to ensure that government and non-government entities carry out their respective functions and tasks under the PADS," it added. Under EO 66, the President designated the DDB as the lead agency in the implementation of the PADS. Government agencies including government owned and controlled corporations (GOCCS) and state universities and colleges (SUCs) have been directed to formulate and submit to the DDB their respective operational plans relative to PADS within 60 days from the effectivity of EO 66. All government entities and local government units shall also craft and adopt their drug-free workplace programs and conduct authorized drug testing among their officials and personnel. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has been assigned to ensure the implementation of drug-free workplace programs and drug testing in the private sector. "The drug-free workplace program and authorized drug testing referee to in this Section shall be implemented and conducted in a manner that is consistent with the Constitution, law and applicable issuances of the DDB and other implementing government agonies," the order read. EO 66 also encouraged local government units to craft and submit their own operational plans to the DDB, establish and/or strengthen their anti-drug abuse councils, work with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Philippine National Police in implementing PADS and barangay drug clearing operations, and coordinate with the Department of Health on the assessment and management of drug users. The President also directed the DDB, in consultation with concerned government entries and LGUs, to develop performance standards to ensure compliance of concerned agencies with PADS. It will also conduct a nationwide survey every three years to determine drug abuse prevalence int eh country. The Philippine Statistics Authority has been directed to provide assistance to the DDB on this matter. "The PADS shall be continuously reviewed and studied by the DDB. For this purpose, all government entities shall submit to the DDB every month of February of each year, an Annual Report outlining or detailing accomplishments relative to their respective tasks, undertakings, programs and projects under the PADS," it said. The order, signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea last October 29, takes effect upon publication in a newspaper.