[Excerpts from official release]

GMA allays students' fears on random drug testing


President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today erased the apprehensions of students on the provisions of Republic Act 9165 that calls for random drug testing of students in private and public schools nationwide.

In a command conference on illegal drugs held at the Far Eastern University (FEU) campus, the President told student leaders that those who would undergo random drug test would be helped instead of being criminally charged or ostracized.

In compliance with R.A. 9165 that was approved last July 25, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) formulated guidelines for consideration of the
Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).

This include the random drug tests in public and private secondary schools scheduled to be initially implemented in the National Capital Region (NCR) on the first week of September. Drug testing in other regions starts in October.
----------

Your views on the matter, whether based on experience or from readings.

[ 11, 2003: Message edited by: blukatips ]

[ 11, 2003: Message edited by: blukatips ]

This is a pivotal development in our fight against drugs, especially among the youth. Time and again has proven that the drug problem is getting worse and we need all the help we can get to stop the threat. People should understand that the government needs our cooperation in making it work.

it's nice if there is a random drug testing In schools since drug addiction is getting worse every year. Besides, if we really want to help in eradicating this disease then why not support the president right?

Many young people are into drugs for various reasons and if detected early there is a big chance in helping the addict say no more to drugs. Hopefully patuloy ito hanngang sa next na government.

So to the Phil. gov't I salute you for this one. Indeed the youth is the hope of tomorrow.

it's nice if there is a random drug testing In schools since drug addiction is getting worse every year. Besides, if we really want to help in eradicating this disease then why not support the president right?

Many young people are into drugs for various reasons and if detected early there is a big chance in helping the addict say no more to drugs. Hopefully patuloy ito hanngang sa next na government.

So to the Phil. gov't I salute you for this one. Indeed the youth is the hope of tomorrow.

contrary to the belief that the random drug testing among students is an invasion of the human rights, i think it is a step towards fulfilling the cliche "ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan."

think about it. this will weed out the drug users in the universities and schools. hindi lang students ang involved kung hindi teachers na rin as well.

we always say that the government is doing nothing about the issue, pero ngayong andito na yung solution, saka ayaw nyong bigyan ng support. it is us who make our lives more difficult. kelan kaya magsisimula yan sa Ateneo?

Although the entire procedure is not foolproof, I approve of the random drug-testing of students. Ay endeavor to eradicate or at least supress the growing drug problem should be supported.

Now this is a start! :thumbsup: