DRUG test for all city officials?

Why not, says Mayor Benjamin Lim, who welcomed suggestions for all officials to undergo mandatory drug test to make sure they are not drug dependents.

Lim was reacting to the report about the arrest last week of two barangay officials by members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) of the local police for illegal possession of illegal drugs shortly after they came from a Muslim center here, suspected of being a liar of illegal drugs.

Arrested and charged by the police were Carlos Sayson, councilman of barangay IV and Alfonso ‘Bong’ Legaspi, barangay treasurer of Bonuan Gueset.

Police Chief Edgar Basbas said the two, who already have previous cases for violations of the dangerous drugs law, were under surveillance.

Lim said he will ask the city council to pass a resolution calling on city and barangay officials to undergo mandatory drug tests because in their present stature, they should set an example for their constituents to follow.

“It is about time local officials undergo drug testing to show to the people that they have already nothing to hide,” Lim said.

He said even if there is no such resolution, the officials should voluntarily submit themselves to drug testing because if they are not really hooked on illegal drugs, they have noting to fear.

If policemen were made to undergo mandatory drugs tests, the city and barangay officials, not only in the city but in the whole country, should likewise do the same, he said. (PNA)