In anticipation of heightened port activity during the holiday season, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), conducted surprise drug testing for regular and contract-of-service (COS) personnel at its Head Office in Port Area, Manila.
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago emphasized that maintaining a drug-free workplace is integral to sustaining safe, efficient, and reliable port services nationwide.
A total of 770 employees from the Head Office participated in the testing, which has been conducted since 2016 to support the government’s nationwide anti-drug campaign under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The program aims to ensure that all port personnel remain fit for duty as the agency prepares for the anticipated surge in passenger and cargo operations.
The random testing covered both regular and contractual employees, underscoring PPA’s commitment to accountability and equal enforcement of workplace policies. Employees who may test positive will undergo confirmatory testing, counseling, and due administrative action in accordance with CSC and PDEA regulations.
“We will take immediate action against personnel who test positive, as we have a zero-tolerance policy for drug use within our workforce,” GM Santiago added. “A drug-free workplace ensures the safety not only of our employees but also of the millions of passengers, port users, and partners who rely on our operations,” he added.
The PPA is expecting additional passengers this UNDAS 2025 compared to last year due to long weekend and factors like natural disasters. Port security is also heightened during this peak season.
