AGENCIES PRESSED ON DRUG TESTS

No Drug Test, No Budget.

Bukidnon Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri, author of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,
issued this warning to government agencies which refuse to conduct random
drug tests for their employees.

"Avoid the law and your budget faces rough sailing," said Zubiri.

Under Republic Act 9501, government employees and officials "shall undergo
annual random drug testing," which the government will shoulder. If traces
of prohibited drugs are found in their urine samples, they could face
dismissal.

Drug tests for uniformed personnel like policemen and soldiers are
mandatory.

"Agencies which have not randomly tested their employees for drug use this
year or have not yet scheduled one will have a hard time getting their 2005
budget approved in the House," Zubiri said.

"Just as private individuals are required to undergo drug tests in getting
their licenses to drive or to carry a gun, government workers should also
undergo the same," he added.

The House is set to hold hearings on the proposed P901-billion national
budget for 2005 after Malacanang submits it before the end of this month.