WORKERS who got ill or injured due to the use of illegal drugs are not eligible for compensation benefits, the Department of Labor and Employment said.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the prohibition is under the RA 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations and DoLE Department Order No. 53-03, series of 2003.
The Labor chief also said this unwavering policy of the labor department and the Employees’ Compensation Commission, together with its Regional Extension Units, is in accord with the campaign of President Duterte against illegal drugs.
“Under the existing rules and regulations of DoLE— ECC, only work related injuries, disabilities, and sickness can be provided with employee’s compensation benefits. If these were caused by alcohol, liquor or by illegal drugs, they can never be compensated,” Bello said.
Under the Employees Compensation Program, intoxication refers to a person’s condition of being under the influence of liquor or prohibited drugs to the extent that his or her acts, words, or conduct is impaired visibly, so as to prevent him/her from physically and mentally engaging in the duties of his/her employment.
The ECC has rejected the request of several workers for benefits but found out that the cause of these injury or sickness are intoxication and use of prohibited drugs.
ECC Executive Director Stella Zipangan-Banawis said the ECC strictly enforces occupational safety and health standards as a primary shield to avert work-related incidents.
We strictly prohibit workerç—´ use of illegal drugs. DoLE and ECC upholds for the establishment of safe, healthy and productive working environment for the Filipino work force, she said.