A political analyst called on government officials to practice what they preach in tackling the illegal drug crisis by embodying the values they advocate.

Marlon Villarin, a Political Science professor at the University of Santo Tomas, took to Facebook on Monday to challenge President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and all legislators to embody the values they promote by leading by personal example to effectively combat illegal drugs.

“If President Bongbong Marcos and every member of the House of Representatives led by Speaker Martin Romualdez and Senate President Chiz Escudero are serious about combatting the scourge of illegal drugs, they must embody the principles they advocate for,” Villarin’sFacebook post read.

He added: “It's time for our leaders to practice what they preach and set a bold example in the fight against illegal drugs.”

Villarin took to social media his reaction to House Bill No. 10744, introduced by Davao City Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte during the 3rd Regular Session of the 19th Congress.

HB 10744 is An Act Mandating Elected and Appointed Officials of Public Offices, Including the President of the Republic of the Philippines, to Undergo Random Drug Testing Through Hair Follicle Drug Test Every Six (6) Months and Institutionalizing Voluntary Random Drug Testing of Candidates for Electoral Posts Within Ninety (90) Days Prior to Election Day, Amending for the Purpose Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002.

“Among the declared principles of the State is the maintenance of peace and order and the protection of the people's life, liberty, and property. The 1987 Constitution, in emphasizing that "public office is a public trust," also highlights the importance of accountability of public officers and employees, with high regard to the service equipped with "utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency," actions toward patriotism and justice, and lives with modesty,” the bill’s explanatory note read.

It added that even with the mandate in place, the country continues to grapple with a significant number of drug use and abuse cases. Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) statistics showed 3,865 related admissions across the 70 treatment and rehabilitation facilities in 2022.

Striking surge

Citing the same DDB report, the latest findings reveal a striking surge in admissions, up by a staggering 42.73% compared to last year -- a testament to the renewed efforts of rehabilitation centers and the growing readiness of Persons Who Use Drugs to seek help.

The tide is turning, with 40.78% voluntarily entering treatment and 29% opting for plea bargaining. Yet, to truly tackle drug abuse, universal drug testing must become standard practice. This shift is crucial to closing the gap between reported and unreported cases, placing drug use and abuse firmly under control.

“Being at the forefront of public service with the mandate towards integrity and modesty, it is imperative that public officials and government employees should be the very first to uphold such Constitutional mandate by submitting themselves towards accountability measures that serve as a tool in addressing the fulfillment of this mandate,” the bill’s note read.

“This is the rationale behind the compulsory nature of drug testing in Section 36 of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,” it added.

The bill also cited the Civil Service Commission (SC), which issued CSC Resolution No. 1700653, The Guidelines in the Mandatory Random Drug Test for Public Officials and Employees and Other Purposes, for implementing the measure.

DDB Regulation No. 13, s. 2018, however, was later issued exempting elective officials and presidential appointees from the CSC's policy on mandatory random drug testing.

In the case of Conrado L. Tiu et al. o. Court of Appeals, et al., G.R. No. 127410, January 20, 1999, the equal protection of the law, prescribed by the Constitution, is further defined.

“The equal protection of the law clause is against undue favor and individual or class privilege, as well as hostile discrimination or the oppression of inequality. [...] It does not demand absolute equality among residents; it merely requires that all persons shall be treated alike, under like circumstances and conditions both as to privileges conferred and liabilities enforced,” the note added.

No exemptions

Considering the initiatives toward the deterrence of drug use and abuse, the bill shall not extend exemptions or favors in the mandatory nature of random drug testing in certain class privileges, such as elected and appointed officials, since it becomes imperative upon their mandate that they lead lives of modesty and integrity.

Since the guidelines for drug testing under RA 9165 do not specify a biological specimen and only mention urine collection procedures, the Hair Follicle Drug Test should be included as a screening method in drug tests nationwide.

According to the bill explanation, a study by Palamar et al. in 2019 demonstrated the effectiveness of hair testing in detecting recent unreported use of cocaine and/or oxycodone. This method complements urine testing, enhancing the overall accuracy of drug testing procedures.

HB 10744 aims to require solid evidence before accusing someone of recent drug use, which is crucial for the initial screening test in drug testing.

According to DuPont & Baumgartner's 1995 study, the Hair Follicle Test can show the level of drug use over the past 90 days, unlike the Urine Drug Test, which needs to be done more frequently.

With a longer detection window, periodic drug testing, as suggested in the bill, may become standard practice for government employees, elected officials, appointed officials, and electoral candidates if they participate.

Meanwhile, several netizens lauded the benefits of HB 10744, saying if there is nothing to hide, officials will voluntarily submit to a drug test.

“This is a very good bill. The one who will block it is an addict congressman, senator, or president,” Manny G. Vidanes wrote.

“It’s the people’s demand for the brighter future of beloved Philippines,” Marites Bajalan said.

According to Ghing Yu Masangya, “Many cannot run in the elections because of this.”

Security guard Rey Allesa, in an interview with online news site Mindavote, said that hair follicle drug testing is the best drug test for every politician because the results cannot be easily cheated, unlike urine drug testing.

"This is the best for the Philippines so that there would not be many addicts in the government so that we will have a clean government, and so that there would be no more drug addict politicians)," Allesa said.

He finds it unfair that "lowly workers" like him have to pass strict drug tests to get hired while government employees, who are supposed to be role models, should be the ones free of illegal substances. (AAA)