The Quezon City Council is pressing for the implementation of the city’s drug-free policy among businesses in the city, as part of a continuing effort to address the country’s drug problem.
Under City Ordinance 2539-2016 authored by Councilors Gian Carlo G. Sotto and Godofredo T. Liban II, the council stressed the need for employees of establishments to undergo random drug testing.
The drug testing, which is strictly confidential, will conform with procedures prescribed by the Department of Health, and drug testing centers must be duly accredited by the agency.
An establishment is also required to provide preventive mechanisms such as frisking, body search and bag inspection, to ensure no prohibited drugs are brought or used in the workplace.
The Quezon City Business Establishment Drug-Free Ordinance of 2016 also mandates business owners to inform the QC Anti-Drug Abuse Advisory Council should any of its officers and employees be found positive for drug use after a confirmatory test.
KTV bars, night clubs, super clubs, spas, massage parlors, disco houses, bars and restaurants are among the businesses covered by the ordinance. Also covered are establishments with 10 or more employees.
The Council also passed other resolutions and ordinances to strengthen the city’s campaign against the use of illegal drugs.
It has prescribed drug preventive education seminars for students taking the National Service Training Program and a partnership between the city government and the National Reference Laboratory for Environmental and Occupational Health, Toxicology and Micro Nutrient Assay of the East Avenue Medical Center for the drug testing services of city government employees and barangay workers.