Sotto, Honasan lead random drug tests
SENATE President Vicente Sotto III and Senator Gringo Honasan voluntarily submitted themselves to drug testing on Monday, July 30, to lead the annual random test conducted on 300 Senate employees.
“We have to lead by example,” Sotto said.
Both tested negative for any illegal drug substance.
Sotto said his colleagues in the Senate are not required, but he encouraged them to submit to a drug test.
“If other senators will participate, I think it is a welcome move,” Sotto said.
Sotto said it is important that the Senate would serve as an example to all government agencies. He said there should be no special cow in implementing the said rule.
“I have been informed that as part of the Senate’s commitment to a drug-free environment and workplace, pursuant to our revised policy and guidelines, there will be a random mandatory drug testing to be conducted today,” Sotto said.
Some 300 of the estimated 1,800 employees of the Senate were selected to undergo the annual drug test conducted by the Senate medical and dental service in coordination with the Department of Health.
He said this in compliance with the Civil Service Commission 2017 Circular No. 13, and the Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, of which he was a principal author.
“We must set the example as the Senate…Let us clear the way in ensuring that we have a healthy and drug-free workplace and workforce,” Sotto said.
In 2016, Sotto and Honasan during the national elections voluntarily underwent drug testing in their campaign in Cebu city to set an example to other candidates on the need to be transparent about their medical records and to emphasize the responsibility of public servants to maintain a drug-free lifestyle.
If an employee tests positive, Sotto said another test would be conducted to confirm.
Any officer or employee found positive for use of dangerous drugs could face suspension or termination subject to the pertinent provision of the Civil Service Law based o9n CSC Circular no. 13, to make sure that the government agencies remain drug-free.
The conduct of mandatory random drug testing also serves as a condition for the retention of public officials and employees in government service. SunStar Philippines