Friday, February 09, 2007
Comelec 'to shame' poll bets on drug test
MANILA -- As some candidates in the coming elections refuse to comply with the drug test requirement, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is thinking of using the media to embarrass those bets by publishing their names in newspapers.
Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. said he already raised the matter to Congress but it was not given attention by the lawmakers.
He said two senators and a congressman who ran and won in the May 2004 elections failed to submit their drug testing clearance.
The reason the legislators cited was that it is not part of the qualification for candidates, Abalos said.
Comelec requires all national and local candidates in the last 2004 elections to undergo mandatory drug test as stated in Republic Act (RA) 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Despite the law, some candidates do not comply with the requirement. Failure to undergo a drug test can be a ground for disqualification as stated in the 1987 Constitution.
To get back at those who did not and do not comply with the drug test requirement, Abalos said they are going to publish the names of those who underwent drug testing and those who did not.
Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Cebu mayors' league president Ronald Allan Cesante support the drug test, but Garcia said it is "not a very accurate indicator" whether a candidate takes prohibited drugs.
"I have no problem with it, but I think it's best that it's unscheduled," said the governor, adding that there are ways for someone taking drugs to get a negative result.
"What if a candidate fails, what's the punitive action? I'd like to know," she added.
If publishing candidates who refuse to take the drug test is meant to guide voters in their choice, Garcia said a better indicator would be a candidate's physical appearance, the company he keeps, lifestyle and demeanor.
Cesante, for his part, believes it is a good plan considering the many problems in society stem from the proliferation of illegal drugs.
"It's good for those who would like to serve the public to be clean, so to speak," Cesante told reporters.
Mandaue City Mayoral aspirant Thadeo Jovito "Jonkie" Ouano also said he is "very willing" to undergo the drug test.
"Anytime, anywhere," he said in a text message to Sun.Star Cebu.
His father, Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano, said the party is willing to undergo the test.
The mayor, who was with barangay captains and Jonkie's slate, even said that the group will take the test right away.
Councilors Jonas Cortes and Glenn Bercede, for their part, are also ready to undergo the drug test.
Cortes and Bercede will be running for mayor and vice mayor, respectively.
Vice Mayor Amadeo Seno Jr., who is also running for mayor, said he is also willing to undergo the drug test as it is required by law.
He took the drug test in the last election. (Sunnex/JPM & AAG of Sun.Star Cebu)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Davao. (February 9, 2007 issue)
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