Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III has called for mandatory random drug testing for all Senate officials and employees. This comes after allegations of marijuana use by a staff member inside the building.
In a letter sent to Senate President Francis Escudero on August 17, Sotto cited a report about Senator Robin Padilla's staffer, Nadia Montenegro, who was allegedly caught coming from a bathroom where marijuana was detected. According to Sotto, such testing was already conducted in 2018 in accordance with Republic Act 9165 and Civil Service Commission policy.
Sotto stressed that this step is important to maintain a drug-free workplace and strengthen integrity, morality, and accountability in the public service.
Escudero confirmed that he received the letter and assured that steps are being taken to resolve the matter. Meanwhile, Montenegro was granted leave while the investigation continues. He was given until August 19 to submit an explanation.
In response, Deputy Minority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and his entire staff immediately underwent drug testing. Majority Leader Joel Villanueva also called for random drug testing to strengthen public confidence in the Senate.
