Aguirre orders random test for DOJ officials, employees

MANILA, Philippines – Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Monday, September 26, ordered a random drug test in his department, covering officials, prosecutors and other personnel. 

“For justice to work, we have to work. For the people to believe, we have to see to it that they can believe in prosecutors. We cannot prosecute if we ourselves are tainted by the very drugs we seek to eradicate,” Aguirre said on Monday during the 119th DOJ anniversary celebration.

Aguirre said it’s a necessary step to show the credibility of the department implementing the government’s war on drugs. 

Officials who will test positive for drug use will be “prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he said. 

“The DOJ will play a great part in the President’s effort to have a crime-free Philippines but great powers come with great responsibility. We have to see to it that they believe in our prosecutors,” Aguirre said. 

“Deal with drugs and you will find neither refuge nor respite from the law. Please stop it, please stop it and if despite this warning you continue your corrupt ways, the full resources of the DOJ will be used against you,” he added.

The justice secretary also announced the release of additional allowance for DOJ employees amounting to P1,500, the acquisition of new equipment and opportunities to pursue further education for prosecutors nationwide. – Rappler.com