THE SUPREME Court (SC) has ordered the dismissal of three employees of the Court of Appeals (CA) after being found using crystal meth, locally known as shabu.

In a statement on Monday, the SC said that it had agreed with the Judicial Integrity Board’s recommendation of dismissing the three employees after they all tested positive for the methamphetamine hydrochloride in a random drug test.

“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,” it said.

The ruling has yet to be uploaded to the High Court’s website.

Since one of the workers had already opted for early retirement, the High Court imposed a penalty of forfeiture of all retirement benefits, except his accrued leave credits. He is also disqualified from being reappointed to public office.

Last year, the SC released guidelines on implementing a Drug-Free Policy in the Philippine Judiciary, making drug testing a pre-employment requirement to work in the Judiciary.

The guidelines apply to all personnel of the Judiciary regardless of status as well as all offices under the supervision of the country’s highest court. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

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