MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte filed a bill that requires random drug testing for government officials, including the President of the country, every six months.
It also urges candidates running for electoral posts to undergo voluntary random drug testing, 90 days before election day.
According to Duterte, this measure will allow officials to demonstrate their honesty and integrity as public servants.
Under House Bill 10744 filed by Duterte, it aims to amend Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The proposal includes the use of hair follicle testing, which is believed to be more accurate in confirming drug test results, and urine testing as a confirmatory test.
It also says that testing should be conducted only in authorized drug testing facilities, such as government forensic laboratories or any location accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), where results and test quality can be properly monitored.
Drug test certificates should have a validity of only one year from the date of issuance.
The proposed measure by Duterte covers elected and appointed officials in public offices, government instrumentalities, or government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), including both domestic and overseas officials, and even the President of the Republic of the Philippines.
The proposal mandates random drug testing every six months.
The congressman emphasized that this step would maintain public peace and welfare, which they are committed to serving.