Tito Sotto asks Chiz for mandatory random drug test in Senate

Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on Sunday asked Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero to implement a mandatory random drug testing in the Senate after reports of a staff member allegedly using marijuana in the upper chamber premises.

“To maintain a drug-free workplace, I am asking that a mandatory random drug test be immediately conducted in the Senate in accordance with the pertinent police order in place,” Sotto said in a letter to Escudero.

“This will ensure that the morale, efficiency, integrity, responsiveness, progressiveness and courtesy shall be observed in the civil service,” he added.

Sotto reiterated that during his stint as Senate President in the 18th Congress, he implemented random drug testing to ensure that the Senate was drug-free.

Escudero, meanwhile, confirmed receiving Sotto’s letter.

“I thank him for his initiative and concern,” Escudero said.

“Will respond by giving antecedent facts and the latest actions that have been taken regarding this matter,” he added.

At least two senators have expressed support for Sotto's proposal to randomly test Senate officials and employees for illegal drugs. 

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said that he and his staff would be subjected to a drug test on Monday. He also said that he is willing to undergo a hair follicle drug test.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said that he has consistently supported drug-testing initiatives.

Escudero earlier ordered an investigation of the alleged marijuana use by a staff member of Senator Robin Padilla.

Padilla’s office has also launched its own probe into the matter, as disclosed by his chief of staff, Atty. Rudolf Philip Jurado.

The Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms named former actress Nadia Montenegro, a member of Padilla’s staff, in the incident report. She reportedly denied smoking inside the ladies' room and using marijuana but said she has a vape device in her bag according to the report. 

Padilla's office has asked Montenegro to take a leave of absence amid the controversy.  — RF, GMA Integrated News