MANILA – Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio expressed support to the proposed bill filed by her brother, Davao 1st District’s Cong. Paolo Duterte, which requires government officials to undergo mandatory random drug testing.
In an interview in Davao City, Duterte-Carpio said she is wiling to submit herself to a hair follicle drug test to lead by example among elected government officials.
“Nababasa ko na ‘yung panawagan ng mga tao (na magpa-drug test ako). At aayusin na lang natin kung kailan ‘yun. Kasi dapat siguro doon na merong (nauuna),” Duterte-Carpio said.
She added: “Dapat third party na (drug testing firm ang) kasali doon sa testing at siguro hindi lang isa ang laboratory para sure tayo na naba-validate ‘yung results.”
The Vice President further said the proposed mandatory drug test will help ensure that government officials are in their right minds when they fulfill their duties.
“Unang una dapat talaga mapanigurado nating lahat ‘no na nasa tamang pag-iisip ‘yung ating mga public officials, kasama na ako doon,” Duterte-Carpio said.
Paolo’s House Bill No. 10744 mandates elected and appointed government officials, including the President, to undergo random drug tests through hair follicle drug tests every six months.
It also seeks to institutionalize voluntary random drug testing of candidates for electoral posts within 90 days prior to Election Day.
Elected and appointed officials who test positive may be suspended or terminated from office, according to the measure.
“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,” the proposed measure said./PN
