Press Release
April 9, 2018

Dispatch from Crame No. 278
Sen. Leila M. de Lima's Statement on Albayalde's proposal for drug testing by Barangay and SK Candidates

4/9/18

Without casting any aspersion on his fitness and integrity, I'm afraid that Albayalde is starting on the wrong foot as he starts his stint as PNP Chief.

By requiring barangay and SK candidates to undergo drug testing, shouldn't he think that candidates for national office should also be required to undergo drug testing, including candidates for President? If only that was required back in 2016, maybe we would have been spared this President.

Like Duterte's drug war, Albayalde's proposal is anti-poor, violates equal protection, and smacks of class legislation. It only targets lowly barangay and SK hopefuls, and spares the rich and privileged candidates for higher elective office.

Albayalde shouldn't be selective in his new plans on how to wage the drug war. If he proposes drug tests, start with the President. And if Duterte fails the drug test, Albayalde should recommend his removal from office.

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