Bets may voluntarily submit drug test results – Comelec

MANILA, Philippines — While drug tests are not mandatory, candidates may voluntarily submit drug test results along with their certificates of candidacy, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said yesterday.

During the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said those aspiring for elective positions are neither required nor prohibited from undergoing drug tests.

Garcia added that requiring all elected and appointed officials to undergo “mandatory random” drug testing is a good proposal, but the possible legal implications must first be looked into.

“I would like to know what the implication of that law is on the decision of the Supreme Court (SC), where the requirement of the Comelec to have a certificate submitted by a candidate that is not a drug addict was declared unconstitutional,” he said.

Based on the SC ruling, the Comelec has no authority to require candidates to undergo drug testing and such regulation is not provided in the Constitution, according to Garcia.

The Comelec chief issued the statement in reaction to the proposal of Davao City District 1 Rep. Paolo Duterte to require all elected and appointed officials, including the President, to undergo mandatory random drug testing every six months.

Garcia said he would like to see whether the Duterte proposal is not contradictory to provisions in the Constitution and the SC decision.