Latest news with #Drug-FreeGovernmentAct
Filipino Times
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Robin Padilla Pushes Mandatory Drug Testing for All Gov't Officials
Senator Robin Padilla has filed Senate Bill No. 1200, or the Drug-Free Government Act, which mandates annual drug testing for all elected and appointed government officials. Under the proposal, officials will first undergo a hair follicle drug test to determine drug use and type of substance, followed by a confirmatory urine test. The measure covers all public officials, including those in government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), whether based locally or abroad. Any official testing positive for illegal drugs will face administrative action, which could lead to suspension or termination, subject to existing laws. Padilla's bill also seeks to allow voluntary random hair follicle drug testing for electoral candidates within 90 days before election day. He explained that the measure is an integrity safeguard: 'Kung ang taumbayan ay inaasahang malinis sa bawal na gamot, dapat magsimula ito sa mga lingkod-bayan mismo… Ang pamumuno ay dapat walang bahid at handang sumailalim sa pamantayan ng katapatan at pananagutan.' The filing of the bill comes in the wake of recent allegations involving Padilla's political affairs officer, actress Nadia Montenegro, who denied claims of marijuana use inside the Senate but has since resigned for personal and family reasons.
GMA Network
17 hours ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Robin Padilla files bill seeking mandatory drug test for elected, appointed officials
Subject to this are all elected and appointed government officials as well as government instrumentalities or government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), whether domestic or overseas. Senator Robin Padilla has filed a measure seeking an annual mandatory drug testing among elected and appointed government officials. Under Senate Bill No. 1200, also known as the Drug-Free Government Act, Padilla proposes that the initiative be implemented first through a screening process via a hair follicle drug test, which would identify the result and the type of drug used. The confirmation of the screening test will then be done through a urine drug test. Subject to this are all elected and appointed government officials as well as government instrumentalities or government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), whether domestic or overseas. Any official found positive for the use of dangerous drugs shall be dealt with administratively, which shall be a ground for suspension or termination from office, subject to pertinent laws. The bill also seeks to institutionalize the voluntary random hair follicle drug testing of candidates for electoral posts within 90 days before election day. In his explanatory note, Padilla stressed that subjecting public officials to integrity measures, including drug testing, is a "necessary tool to reinforce the government's commitment to service founded on responsibility, integrity, and loyalty to the people.' 'Kung ang taumbayan ay inaasahang malinis sa bawal na gamot, dapat magsimula ito sa mga lingkod-bayan mismo. Ang pamumuno ay dapat walang bahid at handang sumailalim sa pamantayan ng katapatan at pananagutan,' he said in a statement. (If the public is expected to be clean of drugs, then this should begin with the public servants themselves. Their leadership should not be tainted, and they should be willing to submit to the standards of honesty and accountability.) Padilla filed the measure following the alleged marijuana use of his political affairs officer, Nadia Montenegro, who had denied the allegation. Regardless, Montenegro tendered her resignation from Padilla's office 'effective immediately' for the sake of her mental health and the welfare of her children. –
