SC clarifies drug tests not mandatory for judges

The Supreme Court (SC) clarified that the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) did not issue a circular mandating drug tests for judges and judiciary employees.

A viral online post falsely claimed that OCA Circular No. 246-2024 required all judges, officers, and employees to undergo mandatory drug testing.

The SC spokesperson, Atty. Camille Ting, explained that the circular actually requires a basic annual physical examination for all judges and court personnel of the first and second level courts.

Drug testing is only included in the annual physical examination on a random basis, as per the Judiciary Health Care Plan.

This clarification comes after Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte filed a bill seeking to mandate drug tests every six months for all government officials.

Duterte's proposed bill, HB No. 10744, aims to amend the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 to include mandatory hair follicle and urine drug tests for government officials and driver's license applicants.