Press Official of Malacañang Says Sen. Robin Padilla’s Proposed Measure against the Law
Malacañang broke its silence on the mandatory drug testing proposal of Senator Robin Padilla which covers all government officials.
Recently, actress Nadia Montenegro became the center of talks amid the accusations that she allegedly used ‘Maryjane’ inside the Senate premises. The issue came after the actress was the only person in the Senate building’s restroom in the 5th floor when a foul and suspicious odor caught the attention of a staff of the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA).
Nadia Montenegro denied using ‘Maryjane’ inside the Senate restroom. According to her, it was probably the smell of her vape that the OSAA staff noticed. She was forced to take a leave immediately. The actress is a staff member in the office of Sen. Robin Padilla.
Amid the issue, Senate Minority Leader Tito Sotto proposed for a mandatory drug testing among all officials and employees of the Senate. He penned a letter to Senate chief Francis Escudero who confirmed that he received the proposal of Sotto.
The veteran Senator stressed that the mandatory drug testing among all Senate officials and employees will ensure a “drug-free workplace” and will uphold the moral of the chamber amid the controversy. Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri underwent a drug test and Sen. Loren Legarda also announced that she and her staff will do the same.
However, as for Sen. Robin Padilla, he wants a mandatory drug testing among all officials of the government including the president. He filed the Senate Bill 1200 or the “Drug Free Government Act”. Under the proposed measure, all government officials will have to undergo a mandatory drug testing every year, The coverage includes all the government’s elected and appointed officials as well as government instrumentalities or government owned and controlled corporations, in the country and abroad.
Recently, Malacañang broke its silence on the proposed measure of Sen. Robin Padilla. Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, Palace press officer undersecretary Claire Castro said that it is against the law. She reminded the actor-turned-Senator of the Social Justice Society versus Dangerous Drugs Board 2008.
According to Castro, a 2008 Supreme Court ruling declared a 2004 Comelec Resolution requiring all national and local candidates of the 2004 elections to undergo mandatory drug testing as “unconstitutional”. She stressed that the law only allows random drug testing.
The Malacañang official further said that private sector employers may implement a mandatory drug testing but as part of the pre-employment procedure. Based on the report, Castro claimed that Sen. Robin Padilla may only be wasting time and money and must study his proposed measure first.
“So, baka magsayang lang po ng oras at pera o pondo si Senator Robin Padilla. Aralin po muna niya po ang nais niyang gawing batas,” the Malacañang press official said.
Based on the report, when asked if the Palace is against the proposed measure of Padilla, Castro said she is not saying that the Marcos administration is not in favor of it. She emphasized that it is against the law.
“Iyan ay labag sa batas,” the Palace official said.
Amid the issue, a House solon claimed that the proposal of Sen. Robin Padilla for a mandatory drug testing among all government officials is allegedly just a “drama and gimmick”.