GOVERNMENT AGENCIES WARNED: NO DRUG TESTS, NO BUDGET

No Drug Test, No Budget.

This was the threat issued by a lawmaker to government agencies which
refuse to implement random drug testing among their employees.

Bukidnon Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri yesterday called on the executive and
judicial branches to follow the House of Representatives' example of
subjecting their members and staffers to drug testing as provided for
under Republic Act 9501.

He warned that 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 the House to approve their 2005 budget.

"There could be a no drug test, no money policy this year. Avoid the
law and your budget faces rough sailing," Zubiri said.

He said that to show the House's resolve to implement the law,
agencies which do not comply with it will find their budget proposals
in the waste basket.

The House is set to hold hearings on the proposed P901-billion 2005
proposed budget which is scheduled to be submitted by Malacanang on
August 26.

At the same time, Zubiri also reminded Cabinet officials who will have
to undergo confirmation by the Commission on Appointments to have
their drug test results ready.