SC has already ruled against compulsory drug testing for political candidates – Comelec – Manila Bulletin

The Electoral Commission (Comelec) recalled that the Supreme Court had already ruled against compulsory drug testing for election candidates.

“We have already done this. The Supreme Court ruled against it and we stopped, ”said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez.

In 2008, the Supreme Court declared a provision of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and a resolution of Comelec – requiring mandatory drug testing for all candidates for public office – as “unconstitutional”.

Jimenez made the statement after aspiring Senate broadcaster Raffy Tulfo suggested making drug testing a requirement for all applicants.

Some presidential candidates for the May 2022 elections were in favor of the demand for such a policy.

These include Vice President Leni Robredo, Mayor of Manila Isko Moreno, union leader Leody de Guzman, former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Senators Manny Pacquiao, Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and Panfilo Lacson.