Injury, Sickness from Illegal Drugs Not Covered by ECC

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) maintained that workers who sustained injuries and obtained disabilities or any form of sickness due to the use of prohibited drugs are not eligible for compensation benefits.

Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III said this unwavering policy of the labor department and the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC), together with its Regional Extension Units (REUs), is in accord with the campaign of President Duterte against illegal drugs.

“Under the existing rules and regulations of DOLE – ECC, only works related injuries, disabilities, and sickness can be provided with employee’s compensation benefits. If these were caused by alcohol, liquor or by illegal drugs, they can never be compensated,” Bello said.

Under the Employees Compensation Program, intoxication refers to a person’s condition of being under the influence of liquor or prohibited drugs to the extent that his or her acts, words, or conduct is impaired visibly, so as to prevent him/her from physically and mentally engaging in the duties of his/her employment.

Bello added that ECC has received some compensation requests, however after further verification, they have found out that the cause of this injury or sickness is intoxication and use of prohibited drugs.

ECC Executive Director Stella Zipangan-Banawis said the ECC strictly enforces occupational safety and health standards as a primary shield to avert work-related incidents.

“We strictly prohibit worker’s use of illegal drugs. DOLE and ECC uphold for the establishment of safe, healthy and productive working environment for the Filipino workforce,” she said. (DOLE)