PDEA Launches Advocacy Program to Promote Drug-Free Workplace in Hotels, Restaurants, Bars, Condos, Subdivisions, Warehouses

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) officially launched an advocacy program aimed to promote a drug-free workplace inside hotels, bars, restaurants, condominiums, subdivisions, and warehouses.

A special project of PDEA Director General Aaron N. Aquino, the program strives to engage the management of said private establishments, including security agencies, by implementing their own drug-free workplace program, educate employees on the ill-effects of dangerous drugs, and enforce a random drug test for all their officers and employees.

It also aims to educate hotels, bars, restaurants, condominiums, subdivisions and warehouses’ owners to identify potential drug laboratories, drug dens and drug warehouses.

DG Aquino, represented by Director Irish C. Calaguas, Officer-In-Charge, Office of the Deputy Director General for Administration (ODDGA)/ Chief-of-Staff, Office of the Director General (ODG), PDEA spearheaded the program launch, along with Quezon City Vice Mayor Ma. Josefina “Joy” Belmonte, today, February 21, 2019 at SEAMEO, INNOTECH, Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.

Quezon City was chosen as the program’s pilot implementation site and is expected to be replicated in all cities and municipalities of the National Capital Region (NCR), all the way across the country.

The operation be in full swing, all local government units nationwide are urge to observe their local ordinances that require all business establishments in their jurisdiction to implement a safe and drug-free environment in the workplace, pursuant to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Order No. 53-03, or the “Guidelines for the implementation of a drug-free workplace policies and programs for the private sector”.

“One of the priorities of the program is to reintroduce and compel business owners to conform with the requirements of Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Regulation No. 8 Series of 2003 which mandates all private establishments employing 10 or more workers to formulate and implement a drug-free workplace program, including mandatory drafting and adoption of company policies against illegal drug use,” Aquino said.

Aquino also urged lessors of warehouses, condominiums and houses to regularly inspect their properties to prevent their properties from being used as drug laboratories and warehouses.

During the program, Director Calaguas, PDEA officers, local executives of Quezon City, and representatives of various government agencies affixed their signatures in a Manifesto of Commitment solidifying their strong dedication to implement the goals and policies of the program.

Management of private establishments, including administrators, front liners and those whose duty is to secure hotels, restaurants, bars, subdivisions, condominiums, and warehouses also received intensive preventive education, information-dissemination and capability enhancement trainings as these establishments are vulnerable to exploitation by drug syndicates.

Among the topics discussed were: the current drug situation and salient features of Republic Act 9165, or The Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002; identification of clandestine drug laboratories, modus operandi and concealment methods used by drug syndicates; and drug abuse awareness and prevention inside the workplace.

Several anti-drug operations revealed that private establishments were used as choice venues to manufacture, deliver, sell and consume illegal drugs.

“PDEA has seen clandestine drug laboratories put up inside subdivisions and condominiums. The most recent was the dismantled shabu laboratory in Oceanaire Luxurious Residences in Pasay City last September 25, 2018. Organized parties spiked with ecstasy and other recreational drugs take place inside these establishments because detection risk is less,” Aquino noted.

According to Aquino, illegal drug transactions are actually happening inside hotel rooms, restaurants and bars because illegal drugs can be exchanged discreetly. Some drug personalities were even billeted inside residential condominiums and apartelles, and use the place as drug dens where illegal drugs can be bought and used.

“We are one in promoting a working environment free from the influence of illegal drugs in the public and private sector. This allows personnel to enjoy better health and safety, at the same time, increasing the productivity– a win-win situation for both employers and employees,” the PDEA chief said.