Senator Robinhood Padilla on Monday opposed the mandatory drug tests for celebrities as proposed by Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers.
In a statement, Padilla said actors and actresses cannot be “obliged to undergo a drug test”, as this could be tantamount to a violation of their human rights.
“Mas mainam kung boluntaryo ang kanilang drug test - para na rin ito sa kanilang kapakanan at kaligtasan. At kung sila ay magpapa-drug test, mas mabuti kung ang employer nila ang gagastos para rito,” he suggested.
(I am for them taking a voluntary drug test - as this is for their safety and wellbeing. It would also be best if the employers shouldered the expenses for such drug tests)
Padilla noted he is one in seeking to protect Filipinos from the ill effects of illegal drugs, including his fellow workers in the showbiz industry.
He likewise recommended that government officials and employees should undergo drug tests.
“[T]hey have the responsibility to provide our people with a good example,” he added.
Barbers, who chair the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, pushed on Sunday the mandatory drug testing for showbiz personalities before working on any entertainment projects.
His suggestion came after actor Dominic Roco, son of Bembol Roco, was arrested with four others in a drug buy-bust operation in Quezon City last Saturday, Oct. 1.
According to Barbers, there have been eight celebrities arrested for alleged involvement in illegal drugs since 2016.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. on Monday welcomed the lawmaker’s proposal.
“We encourage 'yung mga giant networks, even yung actors’ guild. Sila na magkusa parang nang sa ganun ay maipakita nila na tumutulong sila sa ating kampanya laban sa illegal na droga,” he said during a press briefing.
(We encourage giant networks, even actors' guilds to take the initiative to show that they are helping us in our campaign against illegal drugs)
