Random Drug Testing in High Schools....

[ab_initio]

In her report, Tina Panganiban-Perez said Paranaque Rep. Roilo Golez also expressed reservation on the mandatory drug test on students as it may violate one’s right to self-incrimination.

“I understand from some constitutionalists that there maybe some constitutional issue here with respect to right to self incrimination,” he said.

For his part, Cebu Rep Antonio Cuenco, vice chairman of the oversight committee, said authorities cannot force student to undergo drug test.

“They should have to get permission of the students to allow a drug test in his body, if the student objects he can’t be compelled,” the Cebu lawmaker said.

i believe this can be done without running afoul to the constitutional mandate. if we try to revisit RA 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, children 15 years old and under are exempt from criminal liability and those over 15 but below 18 maybe exempt when acting without discernment. so when the law says, they are exempt, there's no point discussing the right vs self-incrimination.

But Aurora Rep. Juan Sonny Angara, a lawyer, believed that President Arroyo’s order for mandatory drug test is a valid exercise of the state and does not violate any fundamental constitutional rights.

ditto.