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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider LOOK: Escudero urged to order random drug testing in the Senate

LOOK: Escudero urged to order random drug testing in the Senate

Published Aug 17, 2025 02:45 pm

At A Glance

  • "...To maintain a drug-free workplace, I am asking that a mandatory random drug testing be immediately conducted in the Senate in accordance with the pertinent policy order in place," Senate Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III said in his letter to the Senate leader.
Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero and Senate Minority Leader Vicente "Tito" Sotto III (Senate PRIB photo)
Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero and Senate Minority Leader Vicente "Tito" Sotto III (Senate PRIB photo)

Senate Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III has urged Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero to issue an order to conduct mandatory random drug testing in the Upper Chamber following reports of a senator’s staff is now being investigated over allegedly using marijuana inside the Senate’s premises.

In his letter to Escudero, Sotto, a former Senate president, pointed out that in 2018, the Senate conducted a mandatory random drug testing in accordance with Republic Act No. 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, Civil Service Commission Resolution No. 1700653 dated March 15, 2027 or the Mandatory Random Drug Testing for Public Officials and Employees.

The previous mandatory drug testing, Sotto also said is part of the Senate Policy Order No. 2018-002 (OSP) or the Revised Policy on Random Drug Testing in the Senate.

“Thus, to maintain a drug-free workplace, I am asking that a mandatory random drug testing be immediately conducted in the Senate in accordance with the pertinent policy order in place,” Sotto said.

“This will ensure that the morale, efficiency, integrity, responsiveness, progressiveness, and courtesy shall be observed in the civil service,” the Senate minority chief added.

Earlier, Sen. Robinhood “Robin” Padilla’s office has affirmed that it was actress Nadia Montenegro, who is now one of his staff, is now subject of an internal probe in the Senate after being accused of smoking marijuana inside the Senate building.

Padilla’s chief of staff, Rudolf Jurado said they have asked Montenegro to take a leave of absence effective immediately” while the case is still ongoing.

“On August 13, 2025, even before the investigation conducted by the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms, the office commenced an initial internal investigation regarding media reports allegedly linking Ms. Nadia Montenegro,” Jurado said in a statement.

“On the same day, she was directed to take a leave of absence, effective immediately,” he added.

Sought to comment, Escudero said he is thankful to Sotto for “his initiative and concern,” and affirmed he has received the letter.

“Will respond by giving antecedent facts and the latest actions that have been taken regarding this matter,”  Escudero said.

Related Tags

Tito Sotto III SENATE Robin Padilla MARIJUANA
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