Governor backs mandatory, random drug testing

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. has expressed his support for mandatory drug testing of government officials but emphasized that the tests should be random and unannounced.

While acknowledging the benefits of drug testing, Defensor raised concerns about the logistics and costs involved, particularly regarding the frequency of the tests.

“How frequent should it be? It’s costly, and we have to spend a lot of money. It couldn’t be done regularly… it should be random and unannounced. You need a good system because if it’s announced, you can prepare for it,” the governor said during a press conference.

He stressed that scheduled testing could easily be circumvented by those who might misuse illegal drugs.

“Drug testing is always good, but implementing it effectively is the challenge,” he added.

The proposal for mandatory drug testing gained traction earlier this week when Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte introduced House Bill No. 10744.

The bill aims to amend the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 by requiring government officials, including those running for office, to undergo drug tests.

The initial screening would involve a hair follicle test, followed by a urine test for confirmation.

Duterte’s bill proposes mandatory drug testing every six months for all elected and appointed officials, including the President of the Republic.

The initiative also recommends drug testing for candidates 90 days before an election.

Defensor critiqued the idea of pre-election testing, calling it ineffective.

“That’s useless because you can prepare for it. Random testing is essential; it keeps everyone on their toes,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo Provincial Government has already implemented random drug testing among Capitol employees.

Ma. Airis Sobrevega-Penetrante, president of the Association of Iloilo Provincial Government Employees, confirmed that the Provincial Health Office conducts these tests to maintain a drug-free workplace.

The governor further reassured the public that there are no major concerns about illegal drug use among Capitol staff.