MANILA – Senators Vicente Sotto III and Gregorio Honasan II submitted themselves to a mandatory drug testing “as part of the Senate’s commitment to a drug-free environment and workplace.”
Sotto announced during Monday’s flag-raising ceremony that Senate employees will be subject to a drug test.
“We must set the example,” he said. “Let us lead the way in ensuring that we have a healthy and drug-free workplace, workforce in the Senate.”
“Kaya to show my support for the mandatory drug testing program of the Senate, I have decided to undergo drug testing today. I will be the first in line. I have asked my BFF (best friend forever), Sen. Gringo Honasan, to be second in line.”
Sotto, principal author of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, said a five-panel drug test will be used to determine recent drug use history.
This method, according to him, is “more sensitive and comprehensive” than a two-panel drug test.
Sotto also announced that all Senate employees will get additional P5,000 grocery and transportation allowances./PN
