COMELEC WON'T REQUIRE BETS TO TAKE DRUG TEST

THE COMMISSION on Elections will not implement the mandatory drug testing
requirement for candidates in the coming polls.

Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos said mandatory drug testing would violate
the Constitution, which had previously established qualifications for
candidates, especially those running for national office.

"How can a mere law amend the Constitution by prescribing an additional
qualification?" Abalos said in a press briefing Thursday.

Asked if the Comelec would issue a resolution on the matter, he said there
was no need for that at the moment. But he added that the poll body might do
so if anyone raised the question in the future.

Mandatory drug testing for election candidates is a provision contained in
Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Article III, Section 36 of this law says all candidates for any national or
local public office, whether appointed or elected, shall undergo such an
examination.

Abalos said the local government code listed only seven grounds for
disqualifying a candidate, and these did not include failing a drug test.