Mandatory random drug tests for TESDA employees, trainees

12 October 2016

Personnel and trainees of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will undergo mandatory random drug testing in response to the intensified anti-drug campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte.

TESDA Director General, Secretary Guiling “Gene” Mamondiong said that the mandatory random drug test will ensure that staff members and trainees of TESDA are not hooked on drugs and the workplace is really drug-free.

“This is in support to the pronouncement of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to eradicate illegal drugs in all sectors of society, and as stipulated in RA 9165 otherwise known as the 'Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002'; and CSC Memorandum Circular No. 13, series of 2010 entitled 'Guidelines for a Drug-free Workplace in the Bureaucracy," according to the TESDA Memorandum No. 147, Series of 2016.

Based on the memorandum, the TESDA Regional Directors are tasked to conduct the random drug testing in their respective areas in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) Regional Offices.

Aside from drug testing, TESDA will also mount activities for employees and students in relation to the fight against illegal drugs, Mamondiong said.

Under the Civil Service Commission (CSC), any government employee who will be tested positive for drug-use will be slapped with disciplinary/administrative case or worse, termination from work.

The Technical Working Group (TWG) of TESDA has come up with a group in-charge with the mandatory random drug testing among trainees and personnel. It is involve in formulating policies, plans and rules in the implementation of the mandatory random drug testing of trainees and TESDA personnel based on Republic Act of 9165.