SEN. Robinhood Padilla has filed Senate Bill (SB) 2541, or the proposed Gawad Integridad Kontra Droga Recognition Act.
The measure mandates the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to confer recognition on officials who meet prescribed requirements, including negative drug tests on urine, blood and hair follicle, conducted by Department of Health (DOH)-accredited testing clinics.
Under the bill, applicants must submit a CSC-prescribed application form, a certification from a DOH-accredited testing facility confirming completion of the required examinations, negative results from all three types of drug tests, and an affidavit stating that no government funds were used to pay for the tests. The CSC may also require other reasonable supporting documents.
The proposed recognition would be administered in accordance with the CSC’s existing Honor Awards Program, subject to verification that applicants have complied with the requirements.
Padilla said he went through the process himself, noting he had tested negative in a five-panel urine drug test. He added he intends to undergo blood and hair-follicle tests and make the results public. He urged government officials to voluntarily submit to drug tests.
In his explanatory note, Padilla said the bill invokes Article XI, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution, which declares that public office is a public trust and requires public officials and employees to remain accountable to the people and serve with responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency.
