Proposed Rights Violation

Proposed Rights Violation
September 1, 2007

Philippine Free Press

I WATCHED a television interview with a congressman who had introduced a bill that would make drug tests mandatory for students. An official of the Commission on Human Rights was there, and they debated the proposal. I disagree with the proposal, as it would violate students' human rights.

The congressman argued that mandatory drug tests for students would evetually lead to the arrest of drug pushers. This is absurd. The congressman's argument is a clear admission that the government's drive againts illegal drugs is a failure. We already have laws that deal squarely with the drug menace. Another law that could make students victims of harassment is unnecessary. What the congressman should do is introduce remedial measures for more effective enforcement of the existing drug laws.

The human rights official said that anything "mandatory" is suspect because it defies people's rights. I fully agree. The congressman's proposal would make the students look like criminals and making drug tests mandatory for them would violate their right to protect themselves from self-incrimination.

I have nothing against the congressman's objective of arresting the drug pushers. But I am questioning the reasonableness of his proposal. I find it at the height of folly to capitalize on students whose rights and welfare are supposed to be protected, not trampled upon, by national and local leaders.

Reginald B. Tamayo
member, Sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan