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New Mandatory Random Drug Testing policy being finalized - Sen. President Escudero
New Mandatory Random Drug Testing policy being finalized - Sen. President Escudero
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New Mandatory Random Drug Testing policy being finalized - Sen. President Escudero
by Thea Alexandra Divina18 August 2025
Photo Courtesy: Chiz Escudero/Facebook

A new policy on the Mandatory Random Drug Test (MRDT) for Public Officials and Employees is currently being finalized according to Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

This undertaking addresses the reported alleged use of marijuana inside the Senate premises, specifically among the fifth floor.

In response to a letter dated August 17 wherein incumbent Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III urged Senate President Escudero to implement mandatory drug testing among senators and Senate employees, the Senate President confirms that the MRDT is set to resume in the 20th Congress.

According to the Senate President, on March 20, 2025 the Senate entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the East Avenue Medical Center / National Reference Laboratory for Environmental Occupational Health, Toxicology, and Micro-nutrient Assay in conducting a drug test for all Senate officials and employees.

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However, as the said initially agreed date coincided with the 2025 national and local elections, the MRDT was then rescheduled for the 20th Congress which convened on July 28.

Senate President Escudero also explained that they are currently finalizing the new policy order on MRDT while consulting with the Medical and Dental Bureau, the Senate Legal Counsel, along with the Human Resources Management Service and the Senate Committee on Mental Wellness.

Escudero also states that the comprehensive review of the new policy order will include pointers from R.A. 11036 or the Philippine Mental Health Act of 2018, and R.A. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012 which were not taken into account in the 2018 MRDT policy which was issued by former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.

Current Escudero affirms in his response letter to Minority Leader Sotto that they are currently waiting for the complete roster of Senate employees and their confirmed schedule to assure that all individuals will undergo the new MRDT policy.

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Meanwhile, Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and his entire staff is set to have their mandatory drug testing on Monday, August 18. As the senator aims to “lead by example” he also urged his peers to do the same standard, further stating that “lawmakers should not be lawbreakers”.

“Ang masasabi ko lang eh yung sa sarili ko, and I will encourage my fellow senators in the minority, magandang maipakita ng miyembro ng mga minority na magrandom drug testing po kami doon sa aming mga opisina, at sa aming sarili para maipakita natin na wala po tayong itinatago,” Senator Zubiri said on his Facebook page.

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