Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers retained his post as chairman of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs.
House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, in plenary session Tuesday night, announced the appointment of Barbers, along with other lawmakers who were tapped as chairmen, vice chairmen and members of respective committees at the Lower House.
Barbers was the chairman of the dangerous drugs committee during the 17th Congress.
He is known for his anti-illegal drug campaign as a legislator, proposing then to require all lawmakers and their employees to undergo a drug test to ensure that the so-called “House of the People” will be a “drug-free” workplace.
Barbers welcomed his appointment as he renewed his commitment to support the President's war on drugs.
“The House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Alan Cayetano should underscore its commitment, support and participation to anti-drug policies, programs and projects by ensuring that its own workplace is a drug-free institution,” he said.
In the past Congress, a periodic drug test for all lawmakers was proposed following the conviction in February 2011 of Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson for drug trafficking in Hong Kong.