By Eva Visperas
THE Sangguniang Panlalawigan has approved a resolution authorizing Governor Ramon Guico III to enter into and sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Health–Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for drug testing services at the Pangasinan Provincial Jail Office.
Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino clarified that the approved resolution does not authorize random drug testing, but only covers the provision of drug testing services, including for personnel of the Pangasinan Provincial Jail and persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
Lambino explained that mandatory and random drug testing for government personnel is already covered by an existing national policy and does not require a separate provincial ordinance or resolution.
“What the province approved is the authority to enter into an agreement with the institution that will conduct the testing when drug testing is required,” Lambino said.
He added that the national policy applies to all government personnel, including elected and appointed officials, permanent and casual employees, job orders, and those under contracts of service.
Lambino confirmed that drug testing is already being conducted periodically, and in the past, some personnel were suspended after testing positive. The extent of funding by the local government, he said, would depend on the scope and number of tests to be conducted.
The resolution aims to formalize coordination with the Department of Health to ensure proper, legal, and professional drug testing services for jail personnel and PDLs in the province. (Eva Visperas)