Sen. Imee Marcos Confirms Drug Testing amid Senate Issues
IMEE MARCOS – The presidential sister and Senator confirmed going through a drug test amid the controversy that surrounded the Senate.
Several headlines about the Senate brought confusion among many people. Actress Nadia Montenegro was accused of using ‘Maryjane’ inside the restroom of the Senate’s 5th floor but she denied it. It sparked after a staff of the Office-of-Sergeant-at-Arms or OSAA noticed a foul and suspicious odor in the area.
Reportedly, the same scenario took place in July but, then, no one was there. However, this August, when the same incident transpired, the only person there was actress Nadia Montenegro, a staff member of the office of Senator Robin Padilla. According to the actress, it was probably the scent of her vape.
Montenegro was told to take a leave immediately. Senate Minority Leader Tito Sotto also called for a mandatory drug testing among the Senate officials and employees. He penned a letter to Senate President Chiz Escudero. He stressed that it would ensure a “drug-free workplace” and will uphold the moral of the chamber amid the issues.
Despite that there was no announcement yet about the mandatory drug testing among the Senate officials and employees, some senators and their staff already underwent a drug testing. One of them is presidential sister and Sen. Imee Marcos.
According to Sen. Imee Marcos, her staff already went through a drug testing, thus, she also stepped up as she wanted to be a good example. However, she admitted her nervousness as she might be diagnosed with diabetes for her love for sweets.
“Kaya sabi ko kailangan ako rin para good example. Oh, ayun kaya lang kinakabahan ako baka ano matuklasan, ay diabetes sa katakawan ko ng tsokolate, mangga, at mga kakanin,” the Senator said.
Based on a post on the official Facebook account of the Senator, she and her staff grabbed the chance of a free drug testing in the Senate. When asked if it is mandatory, she stressed that it really depends on who wants to be tested.
“Nasa sa kanila pero diba noong nagkaroon ng insidente dito sa Senado na may nagda-drugs daw, ang sabi may free drug test kaya sinamantala na namin,” Marcos said.
Furthermore, Sen. Imee Marcos who has served as a governor of Ilocos Norte before shared that during her gubernatorial term, she obliged the local officials to undergo a mandatory drug testing. She acknowledged the claim that it is against the law but said that it can be done through simple talks.
“Noong governor ako sa Ilocos Norte, talagang inu-obliga rin namin ang lahat. Sabi nila bawal daw mandatory pero ganun pa man, nadadaan naman sa pakiusap,” the Senator expressed.
With regards to the result of the drug testing of Sen. Imee Marcos, it is expected to be released next week. Previously, Sen. Robin Padilla filed a bill seeking for a mandatory drug testing not only among the Senate officials but among all the government officials including the president.