DRUG TEST A MUST FOR POLL BETS--ABALOS

The Commission on Elections is reminding each candidate to attach to
his/her certificate of candidacy a document showing he/she has
undergone drug testing.

Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos warned candidates that they would be
disqualified if they fail to comply with the requirement under the
Dangerous Drugs Act.

According to Section 36 of RA 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous
Drugs Act of 2002, all candidates for elective positions, whether
national or local, must undergo drug testing.

"We have issued a reminder to all candidates for senatorial position,
to please comply with the provisions of the law on dangerous drugs,
that their certificate of candidacy should be accompanied by a
certificate that they have undergone drug test," Abalos said.

Abalos said the Comelec found out that many senatorial candidates
have not attached drug-testing certificates to their COCs.