Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Wednesday, May 31, that it should not be a problem for aspirants in the 2023 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) to submit themselves to drug testing if it is required.
“That should not be a problem to these candidates, if that is really required then of course do it…if it is free”, he said.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. earlier encouraged BSKE bets to submit themselves to drug testing in hopes of strengthening the country’s campaign against illegal narcotics.
Future leaders should show their willingness to serve the country by undergoing voluntary drug tests, he said, even if is not a requirement for running.
Taking a drug test and passing it is not among the requirements for one to run, the COMELEC said.*