MANILA – Davao City 1st District’s Cong. Paolo Duterte has filed a measure that mandates random drug tests on all elected and appointed government officials, including the President.
In his House Bill 10744 filed on Monday, the random drug test will use hair follicle samples and it will be followed by a confirmatory urine drug test if an individual tests positive
“Any official found positive for use of dangerous drugs shall be dealt with administratively, which shall be a ground for suspension or termination from office, subject to certain pertinent laws,” Duterte said.
The measure also stated that candidates for electoral posts are not precluded from undergoing voluntary hair follicle drug test within 90 days prior to the elections.
“Considering the initiatives towards the deterrence of drug use and abuse, exemptions or favors in the mandatory nature of random drug testing shall not extend to certain class privilege such as the elected and appointed officials, since it becomes imperative upon their own mandate that they shall lead the life of modesty and integrity,” Duterte said.
“Being at the forefront of public service with the mandate towards integrity and modesty, it is imperative that public officials and government employees should be the very first to uphold such Constitutional mandate by submitting themselves towards accountability measures that serve as a tool in addressing the fulfillment of this mandate,” he added.
Paolo’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and his successor President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. have traded accusations of illegal drug use./PN
