College diploma or drugs

 

THE Commission on Higher Education’s (CHEd) announced mandatory random drug testing policy to be conducted in universities, colleges and other higher education institutions next academic year is timely in the face of increasing number of crimes being committed by drug users.

As studies have shown, teenagers are deemed main target markets of drug syndicates and therefore, are among the biggest number of users of drugs. What’s more worrisome is the tact already employed by the drug syndicates targeting Grade 6 pupils using classmates (and yes, some teachers) to peddle the candy shabu.

Those who are against the policy should see for themselves the increasing number of teenagers being detained behind bars for peddling drugs to support their habit, addiction. And as many parents of addicted teens now attest to, stealing of valuables and cash inside their homes have become common.

As CHEd chairman Prospero de Vera III correctly stated: “Huwag nating hintayin na umabot sa punto na masyadong talamak na ‘yung problema bago tayo mag-intervene.”

Should our communities yield control of our youth’s future to drug syndicates all because of perceived violation of their right to privacy? Or should we sustain our protection of our youths to ensure their productive future?

The choice should be easy.

 

 

Digong as Customs chief?

 

PRESIDENT Duterte as Customs chief? Why not? He is more than qualified. As the country’s Commander-In-Chief, he has the ultimate power to put order in the money-making agency, perceived as the most corrupt since time immemorial.  While we know he has a myriad of duties since being a President entails lots of responsibilities, Mr. Duterte can do it by having a point-man that would directly report to him on the agency’s day-to-day operations.  Known for his tough stance in fighting criminality to the hilt, the President is simply picture-perfect helming the Customs—even if only on a temporary basis.

The President’s famous iron-fist rule might yet end the hanky-panky at the notoriously graft-ridden bureau, if not radically cut corruption once and for all.  And Lourdes Mangaoang, the gutsy whistle-blower, might be a good choice as the President’s chief enforcer. Why not?

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