Legarda orders drug testing for staff, reissues workplace rules

Senator Loren Legarda has ordered mandatory drug testing for her staff in what she described as a decisive move to uphold accountability and set higher standards in public service amid recent drug-related allegations involving a Senate employee.

“The public deserves a Senate that sets an example. We act with concrete actions to uphold our role as a model of integrity and professionalism,” Legarda said.

The testing will be conducted in coordination with authorized agencies and in full compliance with civil service and health regulations.

Legarda’s office issued a memorandum on Monday directing all staff members to comply with the mandatory testing.

The senator said any findings from the tests will be handled with due process and appropriate action will be taken if any staff test positive.

“By taking this step, we ensure that my office has zero tolerance for illegal drugs and is fully committed to good governance and accountability,” Legarda said.

In a separate memorandum, Legarda also reiterated her Workplace Policy on Prohibited Substances and Activities.

The policy bans, within the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, any property owned by the senator, and within Senate premises, the use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs or controlled substances, consumption of alcoholic beverages, vaping or use of electronic cigarettes, smoking of any kind, and gambling of any form.

“This policy will be strictly enforced to maintain a safe, healthy, and productive workplace environment and to uphold the highest standards of efficiency, integrity, and professionalism in public service,” Legarda said.

On Tuesday, Senator Raffy Tulfo and 54 members of his staff also underwent drug testing after reports surfaced that a Senate employee allegedly used marijuana inside the chamber’s premises.

“Mula sa akin down hanggang sa utility. Everybody as long as sila ay tumatanggap ng suweldo na pera ng taumbayan, they must undergo mandatory drug testing,” Tulfo said.

“Kapag merong nagpositive dito sa amin, eh tatanggalin ko. At kapag ako’y nag-positive, magreresign ako. As simple as that,” he added.

Tulfo said he would also conduct random drug tests in his office to ensure all personnel remain drug-free.

On Monday, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and his staff also took part in drug testing, while Legarda announced she had directed her office to do the same.

Asked if the reported marijuana use should be investigated, Tulfo said the matter should be referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.

“Dapat yan ay sa ethics na dumaan yung investigation tungkol diyan. In deference doon sa tanggapan ni Senator Robin Padilla, balita ko nag-resign na ata yung staff na allegedly na involved,” he said.

The Senate leadership has faced mounting pressure to implement stricter workplace policies after the incident, with several senators emphasizing transparency, accountability, and zero tolerance for illegal drugs in public service.