Public domain image - Malacañang is open to holding a mandatory drug testing for all government officials
- Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella says this is a ‘symbolic act’ to revive the public’s trust in government
- Reviving public trust is a priority of President Rodrigo Duterte aside from eliminating crime and illegal drug trade
Malacañang on Saturday, July 9, welcomed the proposed drug testing for government employees.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a radio interview on Radyo ng Bayan that the administration is open to the mandatory drug testing since this is in line with the priority of President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Kasi ‘yun naman talaga ang priority ng Presidente na maisoli ‘yung trust and faith in the government,” Abella was quoted in a GMA News Online story.
[Because that is the priority of the President, to revive the trust and faith in the government.]
Abella also emphasized that this endeavor would not aim to expose the identity of those who are into drugs in the service but a “symbolic act” that people can still trust the government.
“Just to prove to the people na lahat ng mga tao natin ay maayos naman,” he said. [Just to prove to the people that all of our workers are trustworthy.]
“It’s a very powerful symbolic act, na pinapakita natin na tayong mga nagsisilbi sa gobyerno ay maayos na mga tao ‘yan at they are people worthy of our trust,” he added.
[It’s a very powerful symbolic act that shows that the people serving in government are good people and that they are worthy of trust.]
Duterte, since the campaign period, has raged war against drugs. Eliminating crime – especially the illegal drug trade – in three to six months have been his primary campaign promise.
Operations to curb drug trade have been massive since he was elected into office.
Philippine National Police Chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa earlier called for a surprise mandatory drug testing for all members of the police force. As of last week, 11 police officers tested positive for drug use.
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