Monday, March 05, 2007 Poll body asks bets to show drug test results
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Sunday reminded candidates running for both the national and local positions to submit the results of their drug test so as not to face disqualification.
This, after the Comelec on Friday removed 42 out of the 80 senatorial candidates for having no capability to campaign nationwide.
Citing Resolution 7822 or the Rules and Regulations on the Mandatory Drug Test of Candidates for Public Office, Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. said candidates will be facing disqualification should they fail to attach the results of their drug test.
"It doesn't mean that when you're already candidate you would not be disqualified," he said.
Abalos gave candidates until March 29 to comply with the directive. He said the election body will publish the names of candidates who complied and those who did not.
Section 1 of Republic Act (RA) 9165 states that "all candidates for public office, both national and local, in the May 14, 2007 synchronized national and local elections shall undergo mandatory drug test in government forensic laboratories or any drug testing laboratories accredited by the Department of Health (DOH)."
Comelec records show that as of Sunday, candidates who already attached the results of their drug test were Bukidnon Representative Juan Miguel Zubiri, former presidential chief of staff Michael Defensor, Senator Ralph Recto, Zambales Governor Vic Magsaysay, former senators Anna Dominique Coseteng and John Osmeña, Taguig-Pateros Representative Alan Peter Cayetano, Senator Francisco Pangilinan, and Senate President Manuel Villar. (MSN/Sunnex)
