Lawmakers warn vs drug testing for college admission

Mara Cepeda

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Lawmakers warn vs drug testing for college admission
ACT Teachers Representative Antonio Tinio says the government cannot impose too many limitations on Filipinos' right to education

MANILA, Philippines – Two lawmakers aired some reservations as the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) mulls the inclusion of drug testing among the admission requirements for colleges and universities. 

Marami nang schools tayo na nagpa-practice ng ganyang way ng screening ng kung sino ‘yung hahayaan nilang mag-enroll sa kanilang mga klase, ngunit ito ay may katumbas na fee. So kung sila ay magpo-propose ng ganung polisiya in support of the war on drugs of the current administration, ‘di yan dapat may katumbas na dagdag na bayarin sa ating mga estudyante,” said Kabataan Representative Sarah Elago on Thursday, September 1. 

(We have a lot of schools that are already practicing that method of screening who can enroll in their classes, but it comes with a fee. So if they would propose such a policy in support of the war on drugs of the current administration, it shouldn’t translate to added fees to be paid by students.)

A day before, CHED told lawmakers that they are studying a policy that would make drug testing a requirement for college and university applicants.  

The proposal was first raised by the inter-agency committee for drug testing, which is part of the Cabinet Assistance System. It is tasked to study how the government can address the drug problem in schools and in the workplace. 

President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to suppress crime and illegal drugs within 3 to 6 months, which has caused law enforcement agencies to intensify their anti-illegal drugs campaign across the country. (READ: ‘Nanlaban sila’: Duterte’s war on drugs)

ACT Teachers Representative Antonio Tinio also warned against possibly blocking young Filipinos’ access to their right to education should CHED push through with the plan. 

May question tayo if may legal or constitutional basis ba ‘to. Education is a right. Karapatan ‘yan… So hindi maaaring maglagay ng napakaraming limitation sa karapatan sa edukasyon,” said Tinio. 

(We have a question regarding its legal or constitutional basis. Education is a right… We can’t put too many limitations on the right to education.)

In contrast, Tinio said driving a car is a privilege, which is why drug testing is an acceptable mandatory requirement to get a driver’s license

Yes, ang administration ay may campaign against drugs, pero hindi magiging dahilan ito para maging sagabal [sa edukasyon]. Ibig sabihin, kapag positive [ang drug test result], ‘di ka na puwedeng mag-aral or makukulong ka or rehab?” added the lawmaker. 

(Yes, the administation has a campaign against drugs, but it shouldn’t be a reason to hamper education. Does this mean if you get a positive drug test result, you won’t be able to study anymore, you might go to jail, or they’ll send you to a rehabilitation center?)

CHED Executive Director Julito Vitriolo told Rappler that they plan to conduct consultations and a public hearing regarding the proposal to add drug testing as a requirement for admission to colleges and universities. 

He said CHED would also seek the legal opinion of the Department of Justice once they finish crafting the policy. – Rappler.com

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Mara Cepeda

Mara Cepeda specializes in stories about politics and local governance. She covers the Office of the Vice President, the Senate, and the Philippine opposition. She is a 2021 fellow of the Asia Journalism Fellowship and the Reham al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship of the UN. Got tips? Email her at mara.cepeda@rappler.com or tweet @maracepeda.