Senators push for mandatory drug tests for all gov’t officials

Senators are backing the proposal to conduct mandatory drug tests for all elected government officials, including members of the legislative branch.

"Matagal ko na sinasabi 'yan (I have been pushing that a long time ago). Remember Gringo and I always have a drug test during campaign period, almost always," Senate President Vicente Sotto III said in a

text message referring to Sen. Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan.

A principal author of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Sotto said among the provisions of the law was to require candidates for government office to undergo drug tests. It was, however declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court (SC).

But Sotto said the proposed mandatory drug test for candidates of public office does not need another law. He said provisions of RA 9165 may be used "to urge public officials for drug testing."

Senators Francis Escudero and Joel Villanueva said they agree with the Senate president.

"I agree sa (with) drug test for government officials. Public office is a public trust. Even in penalties we should have stiffer penalties as public officials," Villanueva said.

Opposition Sen. Antonio Trillanes also supports the proposal.

"OK ako d’yan at dapat unahin si Duterte mismo kasi para siyang sabog sa droga kung magsalita at mag-isip (I'm okay with that and Duterte should go first because he seems to be high on drugs when he speaks and thinks)," he said in text message.

The idea was proffered by House Dangerous Drug Committee chair Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (2nd Dist. Surigao del Norte) who said elected officials who will test positive for illegal drug use should be removed from office. Barbers said this will also address reports of lawmakers and local government officials being involved in the drug trade.