Robin Padilla files bill seeking mandatory drug test for elected, appointed officials

Senator Robin Padilla has filed a measure seeking annual mandatory drug testing among elected and appointed government officials.

Under Senate Bill No. 1200, also known as the Drug-Free Government Act, Padilla proposed that the initiative be implemented first through a screening process via a hair follicle drug test.

The confirmation of the screening test will then be done through a urine drug test. 

Subject to this are all elected and appointed government officials as well as government instrumentalities or government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), whether domestic or overseas. 

Any official found positive for the use of dangerous drugs shall be dealt with administratively, which may result in suspension or termination from office, subject to pertinent laws. 

The bill also sought to institutionalize the voluntary random hair follicle drug testing of candidates for electoral posts within 90 days before election day.  

In his explanatory note, Padilla said that subjecting public officials to integrity measures, including drug testing, was a "necessary tool to reinforce the government’s commitment to service founded on responsibility, integrity, and loyalty to the people."

“Kung ang taumbayan ay inaasahang malinis sa bawal na gamot, dapat magsimula ito sa mga lingkod-bayan mismo. Ang pamumuno ay dapat walang bahid at handang sumailalim sa pamantayan ng katapatan at pananagutan,” he said in a statement. 

(If the public is expected to be clean of drugs, then this should begin with the public servants themselves. Their leadership should not be tainted, and they should be willing to submit to the standards of honesty and accountability.)

Padilla filed the measure following the alleged marijuana use of his political affairs officer, Nadia Montenegro, who had denied the allegation. 

Regardless, Montenegro tendered her resignation from Padilla’s office “effective immediately” for the sake of her mental health and the welfare of her children. –NB, GMA Integrated News