By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
NGERULMUD, Palau — The House of Delegates on Tuesday passed a bill requiring mandatory biannual drug testing for designated government employees and imposing harsher penalties for drug-related offenses, signaling a shift in policy toward stricter enforcement over rehabilitation.
House Bill 12-1-1 HD1, introduced by President Surangel Whipps Jr., passed its third and final reading in the House with unanimous support, 14-0. The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
Under the proposed legislation, all “designated employees” — defined under Title 33, Section 1202(c) of the Palau National Code — would be subject to drug testing twice a year. Designated employees include personnel from public safety bureaus such as Police, Customs, Immigration, Airport Security, and Quarantine, as well as elected and appointed officials who deal with public safety.
The bill also increases penalties for possession of illegal drugs by designated employees and mandates immediate termination for those who test positive. It eliminates existing provisions that allow such employees to return to work after completing rehabilitation programs.
“This measure is about accountability,” said Delegate Timothy Sinsak, who called for not only termination but also prosecution of designated employees who test positive for drug use. “These are not ordinary employees — they are sworn officers. Termination is not enough; prosecution must follow.”
Judiciary and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Yutaka Gibbons Jr., presenting the committee’s report on April 8, noted that the committee recommends requiring employees to cover the cost of their own drug tests. “This will help support the government’s effort to combat the drug problem,” he said.
Not all delegates were fully on board with the shift away from rehabilitation. Delegate Portia Kesolei expressed concern that most rehabilitation programs in Palau rely on federal funding. She criticized the House’s decision to divert all drug-related funds gained through asset forfeiture toward enforcement, leaving none for rehabilitation.
“It’s time we invest in our own rehabilitation programs and not depend entirely on external aid,” Kesolei said.
Delegate Sebastian Marino suggested introducing reward incentives for citizens to encourage community involvement in reporting drug-related activities.
Despite differing views on policy focus, the bill passed without opposition and now moves to the Senate for review.