The Supreme Court (SC) has issued guidelines for the implementation of Drug-Free Policy in the Judiciary.

In an advisory on Monday, SC said that the A.M. No. 23-02-11-SC, or the Guidelines for the Implementation of a Drug-Free Policy in the Philippine Judiciary, will take effect immediately after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation on September 17, 2023.

Under the directive, drug testing will be a requirement to the pre-employment in the judiciary.

In addition, court employees shall also be subjected to a random mandatory drug test during the course of their employment in the judiciary.

"Employees found positive for dangerous drug use shall be dealt with administratively, and such finding shall be a ground for suspension or termination, subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Law and A.M. No. 21-08-09-SC or the Further Amendments to Rule 140 of the Rules of Court" the statement read.

According to SC, the guidelines aim to enhance awareness about the negative effects of dangerous drugs through "information dissemination and periodic random drug testing."

The higher court said that the guidelines also seek to put in place additional procedures to address drug use among court staff.

All officials or personnel of the Judiciary, regardless of status of appointment, who are employed at the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, the Sandiganbayan, the Court of Tax Appeals, and the first- and second-level courts under the direct supervision of the Office of the Court Administrator are covered by the directive.

Likewise, employees in the Judicial and Bar Council, Judicial Integrity Board, Philippine Judicial Academy, Office of the Judiciary Marshals, Mandatory Continuing Legal Office, and all other offices placed under the supervision of the Supreme Court are included.

"Other workers detailed or working in the courts, such as security and janitorial services personnel hired through service contracts, as well as employees detailed as members of the Senate Electoral Tribunal and House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal are also subject to the Guidelines," it added.