Anti-crime group backs mandatory testing for Grade 4 students
AN anti-crime group on Wednesday expressed support for the proposed mandatory drug testing for Grade 4 pupils by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the plan to have all elected officials undergo similar tests.
Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) Vice Chairman Arsenio Evangelista said they saw nothing wrong with PDEA’s plan considering that most Grace 4 pupils were mostly 10 years old and even older than most “rugby boys” lurking on the streets.
“Rugby boys” refer to street children who sniff rugby, a solvent used as an alternative to glue. Based on research, its pungent smell can relieve hunger and can be addicting if sniffed habitually.
“I think mandatory testing for nine or ten years old should be allowed because there are rugby boys even younger than them,” said Evangelista who is also the group’s spokesperson.
He said that the drug testing procedure that PDEA would conduct was non-invasive and would only require urine samples from children and would cost less for the government.
PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino defended the mandatory drug test for Grade 4 students and maintained that the plan of the agency was meant to save them from the illegal drug menace.
At the same time the VACC official also backed the proposal to have all elected government officials to undergo compulsory drug testing and have the results publicized.
The proposal came from the House of Representatives’ Dangerous Drugs Committee Chairman Robert Ace Barbers, who also wants those officials who would be found positive for drug use be removed from office.
Evangelista said the VACC would support the proposal and would even include prosecutors and other members of the judiciary to the mandatory test.
“Any initiative of the government, especially when it comes to illegal drugs should be fully supported,” Evangelista added. JEFFERSON ANTIPORDA
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