Malacañang on Saturday backtracked from its statement rejecting the proposed mandatory drug testing of candidates in the 2019 elections, saying it would still study the measure for those running for the Senate, the House of Representatives, and local positions.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo earlier said drug testing should be voluntary, not a mandatory requirement, for candidates.
In a statement, Panelo said the Palace is not rejecting the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency proposal and will “discuss it further.”
PDEA has proposed a surprise drug test on candidates, while the Dangerous Drugs Board sought a mandatory drug test on officials once they get elected.
“The Palace wishes to clarify that it does not dismiss in toto PDEA’s proposal to conduct mandatory drug testing of political aspirants for next year’s elections,” Panelo said.
“The Office of the President shall first consider and evaluate these in order to make a learned decision on the matter,” he added.
Earlier, the Palace spokesman said that mandatory drug testing for Senate and House candidates is violative of the Constitution, as it adds another qualification outside of that enumerated by the law.
“The same principle applies to local candidates as it also adds to the qualifications imposed by law,” said Panelo, who is also the presidential legal counsel.
“Voluntary drug testing is a favorable process,” he added.
However, Panelo said Malacañang is urging election aspirants to voluntarily submit themselves to drug testing.