OPPOSITION REBUTTALS

Cost -the effects brought about by the use of drugs could cost us

more in the future not just on money, but can also cost us

lives. Spending today would mean saving lives tomorrow.

False positive Confirmatory tests can be done and even background

investigation.

Mandatory drug testing is not conducted to catch and

humiliate students but rather to prevent, to protect and to

make awareness. 

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Once it

is not prevented, it can lead to different physical and

mental accidents because of overdose, addiction and

involvement in other illegal activities. Moreover, this can

interfere with the student's ability to learn and be one with

their environment.

Deprived of education -some students use drugs for a better performance at

school, which is not good. While some students fail badly

at school due to drug abuse. When these students are

identified at an early stage, they can be helped. They can

excel at school because of their own capabilities. Sending

them to rehabilitation centers or undergoing interventions

does not mean deprivation of education. It means saving

and preparing them for a brighter future.

Drug education Drugs alter the mind’s ability to communicate, respond,

 and interact in a normal behavior. Most of those students

who use drugs would lose their sense of reasoning and

would still continue with the use of drugs. That is why

they need to be identified to be helped. A one on one

counseling with the student and other interventions would

be more effective rather than just lecturing with the

students as a whole.

Violates privacy/freedom It is constitutional. RA 9165 or the Comprehensive

Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 authorizes drug testing on

secondary and tertiary levels

Hassle teachers According to Sec 36 of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive

(manpower in conducting test) Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002

SEC. 36. Authorized Drug Testing. - Authorized drug

testing shall be done by any government forensic

laboratories or by any of the drug testing laboratories

accredited and monitored by the DOH to safeguard the

quality of the test results.

Constitutionality Sec. 5, Art. II of the 1987 Constitution

"SECTION 5. The maintenance of peace and order, the

protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of

the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the

people of the blessings of democracy."

It clearly provides in the abovementioned article that the

primordial consideration of our constitution is the

protecttion and safety of the Filipino people. The security of

the majority of the people should be considered.