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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Is Cong Duterte's bill fueled by 'personal agenda?' Almario speaks his mind

Is Cong Duterte's bill fueled by 'personal agenda?' Almario speaks his mind

Published Aug 14, 2024 03:52 pm

At A Glance

  • Davao Oriental 2nd district Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario has expressed concerns that Davao City 1st district Rep. Paolo Duterte's controversial bill proposing the mandatory random drug testing for all elected and appointed public officials is an effort to "single out" someone. 

20240814_211436.jpgDavao City 1st district Rep. Paolo Duterte (left), Davao Oriental 2nd district Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario (Facebook)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




Davao Oriental 2nd district Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario has expressed concerns that Davao City 1st district Rep. Paolo Duterte's controversial bill proposing the mandatory random drug testing for all elected and appointed public officials is an effort to "single out" someone. 

Almario was referring to ,House Bill (HB) No.10744, which Rep. Duterte filed only last Aug. 12. 

“To include a specific position might also infer that there might be, as much as I hate to say it, a personal agenda behind the bill,” said Almario, a member of House administration clique, the "Young Guns". 

He said he would rather that the piece of legislation focus on the welfare of Filipinos and not specific individuals or positions in government. 

Rep. Duterte's measure covers elected and appointed officials of public offices, including the President of the Republic of the Philippines.  

The full title of HB No.10744 reads, "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 the Election Day, amending for the purpose Republic Act No.9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002." 

For political observers, it's Rep. Duterte's mention front and center of the Chief Executive that smacks of a "personal agenda". 

Almario also noted that previous attempts to pass similar legislation--including those that target local government officials--have failed due to a Supreme Court (SC) ruling. 

ALSO READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2024/8/13/congressmen-say-they-rarely-see-pulong-in-house



The SC previously declared that mandatory drug testing was unconstitutional when included as a qualification for poll candidates. This means that HB No.10744 could be subject to legal scrutiny 

Almario called for a thorough examination by all relevant agencies to ensure that the bill aligns with constitutional principles and genuinely serves the public interest. 

Rep. Duterte, a former deputy speaker, is the son of former president Rodrigo Duterte, arguably the most influential Marcos administration critic.
 

Related Tags

Paolo Duterte random drug testing Cheeno Miguel Almario
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