THE Philippine National Police (PNP) said it welcomes the declaration of some poll bets of their willingness to undergo a drug test, saying the move is a reflection of the candidates’ commitment for drug-free governance.
PNP Chief, Police General Guillermo Eleazar said that as applicants for government positions, candidates for the May 2022 elections should indeed be at the forefront of showing to the public that they are clean and that they will continue addressing the problem.
“We in the Philippine National Police welcome the declaration of our presidential candidates to undergo drug test and see it as a commitment on the need to continuously address the illegal drug problem in the country,” said PGen Eleazar.
Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Panfilo Lacson have already expressed their intention to support the move to require both national and local candidates to undergo drug tests.
The same expression of support was aired by Senators Manny Pacquiao and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and former Sen. Bongbong Marcos.
“This is just like the vaccination program of the government wherein many were enticed to have themselves vaccinated when they saw their leaders and known personalities vaccinated regardless of the vaccine brand,” said PGen Eleazar.
He added that by undergoing a drug test, the country’s next leaders can show to the public their disdain of illegal drugs and can show their cleanliness and that of their platform.
Five vice presidential candidates also expressed willingness to support the move- Senators Vicente Sotto, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Christopher “Bong” Go, Buhay partylist Rep. Lito Atienza and Doc Willie Ong.
Sotto was also quoted as saying that he included drug test in the Republic Act 9165, or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, but was shot down by the Supreme Court over constitutionality issues.
“On the part of the PNP, we will support whatever the strategies that would be implemented by our next leaders on the campaign against illegal because despite the criticisms, this campaign resulted in significant reduction of crime in the country,” the Chief PNP said.