Sen Robinhood Padilla files Drug-Free Government Act for annual mandatory drug tests on all officials

Senator Robinhood Padilla has filed Senate Bill No. 1200, known as the Drug-Free Government Act, which proposes annual mandatory drug testing for all government personnel, including the President.

The bill suggests initiating a hair follicle drug test followed by a urine confirmation test to identify drug use among officials.

Subject to this measure are all government officials, instrumentalities, and GOCCs both domestically and overseas, with positive results leading to administrative consequences such as suspension or termination from office under existing laws.

Padilla filed the bill on the same day his Political Affairs Officer 6 Nadia Montenegro resigned after being linked to alleged marijuana use in the Senate building; she has since denied the allegation.

The bill also aims to institutionalize voluntary random hair follicle drug testing for candidates within 90 days before election day.

In his explanatory note, Padilla emphasized the importance of integrity measures like drug testing to reinforce public servants' commitment to honesty and accountability.

Padilla's initiative follows an alleged marijuana use incident involving a member of his staff who has since resigned.