Manila, Philippines, Jun 27, 2018 / 10:10 am
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has expressed support for a proposal by the country's drug enforcement agency that would require drug tests for students ages 10 and up.
"We see how great the problem is with drugs," said Bishop Roberto Mallari of San Jose, chairman of the Filipino bishops' Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education.
Bishop Mallari said June 23 that prepubescent and teenage children have a strong level of curiosity that may lead them to illegal drug use. He also mentioned that candies containing drugs have become more readily available.
Last week, Aaron Aquino, head of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, proposed a policy on surprise drug inspections for students and teachers, after the reported arrest of several 10-year-olds using drugs.