CEBU CITY – The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) has challenged local chief executives and heads of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCC) to implement the drug-free workplace program as mandated under the new anti-drug law.

DDB Vice Chair Clarence Paul Oaminal said it is very ironical for the government to mandate the private sector to implement a drug-free workplace while a number of GOCCs and LGUs have not been faithfully employing the policy.

“While there are governors and mayors that have been conducting random drug tests on its employees, there are a number of local government units (LGUs) that failed to do so. We hope these LGUs and GOCCs conduct random drug tests on their employees the soonest to show that they are giving priority to the drug problem of the country,” Oaminal said.

The new anti-drug law, specifically Section 47 of Article V declares that it is the policy of the State to promote drug-free workplaces using a tripartite approach with the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) as lead agency.

Covered in the program are private companies with ten or more employees.

Government offices are also informed that there is legal basis for conducting random drug tests to public employees. Article II, Section 36, Paragraph (d) stated that officers and employees of public and private offices, whether domestic or overseas, will undergo a random drug test as contained in the company’s work rules and regulations, which will be borne by the employer, for purposes of reducing the risk in the workplace.