Senators running for the country’s highest elective positions on Friday agreed on mandatory drug tests on all candidates in the 2022 national polls.
Senator Panfilo Lacson, who is eyeing the presidency under Partido Reporma, said he has never been addicted to drugs.
“So, I have no problem with that,” said Lacson, adding that all candidates should undergo random testing to make it more credible.
“I understand drug toxins may dissipate after 72 hours,” said the former Philippine National Police chief.
Lacson’s running mate, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said: “I placed that in the law I authored, Republic Act 9165, the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.”
However, he said the Supreme Court shot the measure down as unconstitutional.
“I do it voluntarily instead every election,” Sotto said.
Another former PNP chief, Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, said drug testing should be done to all candidates.
He said while a security guard watching over an establishment was required to undergo a drug test, there is more reason for a President who will watch over the country to be free from illegal drug use.
“It’s unfair to exempt him (a candidate) from a drug test,” he stated.
Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, the vice presidential bet of Dela Rosa. said he is willing to subject himself to a drug test “anytime, anywhere.”
Although drug testing is not a requirement by law for candidates, Go is amenable to voluntarily undergo drug tests to show the voters that he is fit for public service.
Sen. Manny Pacquiao, who’s eyeing the presidency under Promdi, said candidates should show they are clean of illegal drugs.
“And before the start of the campaign, we should all have a drug test at the same time,” he added in Filipino.