“A power and money addict like Arroyo cannot be trusted to solve drug addiction. She could be using the drug issue for political maneuverings and tapping the anti-drug campaign funds for corruption and for the 2010 elections.”

This was the statement of the League of Filipino Students (LFS), reacting on the news that Arroyo named herself anti-drug czar and plans on conducting massive drug testing on campuses.

“She is clearly using cheap gimmicks and theatrics to distract the people from the issue of her political maneuvers like Cha-cha and preparation to rig the 2010 elections. If Arroyo thinks that she can gain credibility and popularity using the drug issue, she is mistaken,” said Vencer Crisostomo, LFS National Chairperson.

The student group, while also strongly against the proliferation of illegal drugs in campuses, is critical of proposals pushing for massive drug testing, saying the move will not solve the drug problem in schools and might cause more harm than good.

“They are using the students as prop for their media blitz. If you think about it, these measures do not really address the drug problem. The statements are just papogi whenever there are drug related issues coming to fore,” said Crisostomo.

Crisostomo said that the current security measures in place in campuses should be implemented and the police should do their job in arresting big time syndicates and drug pushers.

“Why risk violation of rights and a frenzy of discrimination in schools when the measure will not solve the root of the problem? If they are really serious, they should target the drug lords and the big time syndicates, most of which are also connected to government,” he said.

He added that the measure could be used as another source of profiteering and corruption.

“Who will pay for the tests? In private schools, this might be used as another unjust income generating scheme. In public high schools and universities meanwhile, it is ridiculous to spend much money on this when the students do not have even the basic needs like books and classrooms,” said Crisostomo.

Crisostomo said that the funds should be channeled to raising the quality of education in order to instill strong nationalist values upon the students. This will better arm them to refuse and fight drug addiction.

“Let’s raise the quality of facilities and education in general in campuses, and let’s provide decent jobs for the youth. Let’s think of a long tern nation building program, not just cheap media gimmicks and soundbite solutions,” said Crisostomo.