PDEA debunks issuing '100 % drug-free' certificates to 3 Bulacan LGUs
By Chito Chavez
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) denied claims that it has declared Meycauayan, Obando and Plaridel in Bulacan as “100 percent drug-free’’ localities.
“We wish to clarify that these municipalities have not been declared drug-free or drug-cleared under any national validation process,’’ the PDEA said in a statement.
The agency explained that “only the local government workplaces in these towns have received drug-free certifications, based on the results of random drug tests in which all employees tested negative.’’
PDEA noted that the certification was issued not by PDEA, but by the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), the body designated to validate and issue drug-free certifications for workplaces of municipalities and barangays.
“All procedures were carried out in line with the Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 13 Series of 2018, which outlines the requirements for drug-free workplace policies, mandatory testing for new government personnel and unannounced random testing for incumbent local government employees,’’ the PDEA asserted.
The agency pointed out that the clarification is offered to ensure that the accurate information is gathered and while maintaining the public’s confidence in the government’s certification processes.