Pubdate: Sat, 13 Jul 2002
Source: Manila Bulletin (The Philippines)
Section: Metro & National
Contact:  http://www.mb.com.ph/frntpage.asp
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/906

SCHOOL OFFICIALS, TEACHERS CAN NOW LEAD DRUG ARRESTS

School authorities are now empowered to arrest any person committing drug 
offenses on campuses.

Senate Majority Leader Loren Legarda said that under the New Dangerous 
Drugs Law, also known as Republic Act 9165, school heads, supervisors, and 
teachers may arrestor cause the arrest of suspected drug fiends in school 
or within its immediate area.

Legarda said the arrest powers may be exercised even beyond the immediate 
vicinity of schools if they (officials) are in attendance in any school or 
class function in their capacity as (school) heads, supervisors, and teachers.

The senator said teachers and school employees are now duty-bound to report 
to their immediate superiors or to the proper authorities any person 
committing drug crimes on campus.

Failure to do so within a reasonable period from discovery of the violation 
shall, after due hearing, constitute a sufficient cause for disciplinary 
action by the school authorities, Leviste said.

Legarda, meanwhile, said the new law provides for the random drug-testing 
of high school and college students in public and private schools.

Expenses for the random drug-testing will be borne by the government.

"We are confident these provisions would go a long way in curbing drug use 
and pushing in schools," Legarda, an official of the Citizens' Drug Watch 
Foundation, said.
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MAP posted-by: Beth