With celebs linked to drugs, PDEA urges TV networks to conduct drug tests

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has challenged television networks to conduct surprise and mandatory drug tests among their artists.

According to Jun Veneracion's report on "State of the Nation with Jessica Soho", PDEA director general Aaron Aquino made the remark after the agency included 31 celebrities, television talents among them, on its narco list.

"I just hope that na kung mangyari man, lahat sana ng celebrity present just to be, just to show to the public that they are clean," Aquino said.

Aquino said PDEA would not hesitate in arresting celebrities involved in drugs.

"Marami na rin kaming nahuling mga artista and huwag niyo nang hintayin mahuli namin kayo. Huwag niyo sabihin nasa hotel kayo, condominium, nasa exclusive subdivision, bibirahin namin at bibirahin namin kayo," Aquino said.

GMA News obtained a list of 15 personalities in the entertainment industry who were allegedly involved in illegal drugs.

The PDEA chief, who was shown the list, said the list was "old." However, he confirmed that some of the names were among the 31 celebrities on the PDEA's recent drug watch list.

"Siguro  sa mga three-fourths ng nasa listahan na 'yan, nandoon sa akin," Aquino said.

"May nakita ako doon na mga love team sa mga artista," he added.

GMA Network regularly conducts random drug testing among all its employees and talents.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) likewise admitted that acquiring evidence linking celebrities to illegal drugs was difficult.

"It remains a challenge for PNP and PDEA  on how to build a strong case against the persons in the watchlist," PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Bernard Banac said.

Aquino had earlier announced that "most" of the 31 celebrities on the list were young men in their 20s and 30s, while another 11 are "actresses."

The PDEA, however, clarified that the list is still up for further validation. —Margaret Claire Layug/NB, GMA News