(UPDATE) SENATE Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III has asked Senate President Francis Escudero to conduct mandatory random drug testing in the Senate to maintain a “drug-free workplace.”
In a letter to Escudero dated Aug. 17, Sotto referred to news articles published last Aug. 13 on the alleged use of marijuana within the Senate premises, particularly on the fifth floor.
In a text to reporters, Sotto noted that in 2018, the Senate did a mandatory random drug testing in accordance with Republic Act 9165, or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002; Civil Service Commission Resolution 1700653 dated March 15, 2017, or the Mandatory Random Test for Public Officials and Employees; and Senate Policy Order 2018-002.
“To maintain a drug-free workplace, I am asking that a mandatory random testing be immediately conducted in the Senate in accordance with the pertinent policy order in place,” Sotto said.
“This will ensure that the morale, efficiency, integrity, responsiveness, progressiveness and courtesy shall be observed in the civil service,” he said.
Escudero acknowledged receiving Sotto’s letter. “I thank him for his initiative and concern,” he said.
Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri earlier said he and his staff will be tested for drug on Aug. 18, and urged his colleagues to follow his lead.
Zubiri said the Senate must send a clear signal if it expects citizens to respect the law and trust its processes.
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva on Friday reaffirmed his support for random drug testing for all senators, officials and employees of the chamber, saying it is an important step in upholding the integrity of the institution.
“I have consistently supported calls for random drug testing among all officials and staff of the Senate, regardless of who is serving as Senate president,” Villanueva said in a statement.
“On a personal note, I am open to undergo a drug test of any type. It is very important not only for us senators but for all civil servants to lead by example.”
The Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms had named a senator’s staff in an incident report on alleged marijuana use at the Senate, a case that triggered broader demands for testing and ethics review.
Zubiri pressed colleagues to match the commitment, saying that “uniform action across offices would help rebuild confidence and anchor the chamber’s standards on conduct that fits its role as a lawmaking body.”
He said those who are drug-free have nothing to fear, and that visible compliance from senators can help shape behavior down the line.
