House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd district Rep. Mannix Dalipe has thrown his support behind his colleague's controversial proposal to have movie stars undergo a drug test before they are given work or projects.
“Speaking for myself I have always been an advocate of that," Dalipe said, referring to drug testing.
"Ever since I was connected with the local government unit, we always conduct for our employees, for our staff. So personally, I am fine with that, I agree with Congressman Ace Barbers’s suggestion that kung pwede mapa-drug test (to allow for drug testing)," the House leader said.
Over the weekend, Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers pitched that showbiz personalities should subject themselves to a drug test before working on movies, television shows, and other related undertakings.
“I don’t know if we could make it mandatory but if it can a be a law, why not." Dalipe said of of his fellow Mindanaoan's suggestion.
"For sure, syempre yung ating celebrities naman (of course our celebrities), they are being idolized by our young people so they should also be role model example," added Dalipe, echoing Barbers's justification for his proposal.
Dalipe and Barbers are both members of the majority in the House of Representatives.
Last Sunday, Oct. 2, Barbers stated that showbiz personalities who get caught in the illegal drug trade were unworthy of being idolized by the country’s youth.
“They are public figures that are being idolized by the public, particularly the Filipino youth. They would be setting bad examples if they would be involved in the use of drugs, or worse, selling drugs,” said the long-time chairman of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs.
Last Saturday, actor Dominic Roco, son of veteran actor Bembol Roco, were arrested during a drug buy-bust operation in Quezon City. Four other people were habbed during the sting.