ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has expressed support for the proposed mandatory drug testing of all government officials.
However, he raised concerns about the logistics and cost of frequent testing.
“How frequent should it be? It’s costly, and we have to spend a lot of money. It can’t just be regular; it should be random and unannounced. You need a good system because if it’s announced, you can prepare for it,” Defensor explained.
Despite the governor’s reservations about the frequency and execution of the testing, he remains a proponent of the principle.
“Drug testing is always good, but implementing it effectively is the challenge,” he added.
The need for such measures was underscored by a recent controversy at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol where an administrative aide,was arrested in a drug buy-bust operation in July 2023.
Early this week, Davao City 1st District’s Cong. Paolo Duterte introduced House Bill (HB) No. 10744 aimed at amending the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act No. 9165). The proposed bill seeks to require a hair follicle test as an initial screening followed by a urine test for confirmation for those applying for driver’s licenses and government officials, whether elected or appointed.
Duterte said the mandatory nature of drug testing should not allow exemptions for officials.
Governor Defensor critiqued another section of the proposed bill that encourages candidates to undergo drug testing 90 days before Election Day, labelling it as ineffective.
“That’s useless because it can be prepared for. If I’m a drug user, you know when to prepare. That is why random testing is essential,” he said.
Supporting the drive for a drug-free workplace, Ma. Airis Sobrevega-Penetrante, a Population Program Officer and president of the Association of Iloilo Provincial Government Employees, said random drug testing is already being implemented for capitol employees through the Provincial Health Office. This initiative aims to maintain a healthy working environment by testing employees suspected of drug use./PN
