Senator Francis Escudero yesterday said he has reservations over the proposed random drug testing for students because it could violate the rights of an individual, including the right to due process.

Escudero was in Bacolod City to lead the time capsule laying for the scenic elevator project of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Negros Occidental Chapter at the Hall of Justice. He donated P2 million from his Priority Development Assistance Fund for the project.

The senator said that, instead of focusing on the students, authorities should prioritize drug testing on adults.

Escudero also said it should be government employees who should be tested for drugs first, instead of private individuals.

It should not be rushed and there should be consultations before it is implemented, he said.

The conduct of random drug testing on students is one of the measures recommended by the Dangerous Drugs Board to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who named herself as drug czar, a move also questioned by Escudero. 

He had earlier said there is no such thing as a drug czar in the administrative code, adding that, by doing so, Arroyo has turned to “micro-managing,” which, as shown in the past, did not lead to results.

PRESIDENTIAL BID

Meanwhile, Escudero, who is among top choices for the next president, based on surveys, was mum on his political plans for 2010.

“Nangangarap lang ako (I just dream of it). That’s all I can say,” he said, adding that it is free to dream.

A Pulse Asia survey released early this week showed Escudero topping the “big trust” survey among senators at 75 percent, ahead of Loren Legarda and   in Sen. Manuel Roxas II, who posted 72 percent and 67 percent, respectively.*NLG

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