At the Senate, a big problem came up: someone was reported to have used marijuana inside the building. Because of this, some senators now want everyone in the Senate—officials and staff—to take random drug tests.
The idea first came from Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III. He said drug testing is needed to keep the Senate drug-free. This came after news spread that one of Senator Robin Padilla’s staff members might have used marijuana inside the Senate premises.
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri’s Stand
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri quickly agreed to the plan. He said he and his entire office will take a drug test this Monday. To show he is serious, he even said he’s open to a hair follicle drug test, which can detect drug use for a longer period of time.
Zubiri said:
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All his staff, including himself, will undergo drug testing.
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Even senators should take part, so no one will doubt them.
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If any of his staff test positive, they will be suspended right away.
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Those who admit to using drugs will not just be punished—they will be given a chance to enter rehabilitation.
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After finishing rehab and passing another drug test, they can return to work.
He stressed that lawmakers (people who make laws) must not be lawbreakers.
Senator Joel Villanueva’s View
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva also strongly supports drug testing. He said:
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He believes Senate President Chiz Escudero will continue this practice.
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Now is the best time to show that the Senate is serious about keeping its integrity (honesty and trust).
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He is ready to take any kind of drug test himself.
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Civil servants, including senators, must lead by example.
Sotto’s Reminder
Sotto reminded everyone that during his time as Senate President, he already enforced random drug testing in the 18th Congress. He said it helped assure the public that the Senate was free from drugs.
The Marijuana Controversy
The issue started when Senator Padilla’s staff was linked to marijuana use inside the Senate. Senator Escudero has already ordered an investigation.
An actress, Nadia Montenegro, was even mentioned in the report. She denied smoking marijuana in the Senate ladies’ room but admitted she had a vape in her bag. She explained that the vape could have caused the unusual smell reported by Senator Panfilo Lacson’s staff.
Because of this, Padilla’s office told Montenegro to:
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Take a leave of absence.
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Submit a written explanation within five days.
This situation has created tension in the Senate. On one side, there are strong calls to prove the Senate is clean and drug-free. On the other side, there is controversy over who might be involved and what the investigation will uncover.
