PDEA urges mandatory drug tests for TV talents

MANILA, Philippines — The head of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has asked television networks to conduct mandatory drug tests among their actors and talents following reports that there are at least 31 celebrities on the narco list.

PDEA director general Aaron Aquino told CNN there could be more celebrities involved once the lists of different law enforcement agencies are combined.

Shabu is still the drug of choice among celebrities, but some are also taking ecstasy, marijuana and cocaine.

While Aquino said that he is not in favor of releasing the identifies of these celebrities, he said that artist agencies should have internal cleansing efforts similar to what is being done in government agencies. 

“There should be internal cleansing among the artists too. For example, Channel 2, Channel 7, Channel 5, whatever channel, as long as they have artists they should take the initiative to have these artists tested. It should be a mandatory and surprise drug test,” Aquino said in English and Filipino. 

Aquino issued a stern warning that they will catch these celebrities involved in the drug trade. 

“Time will come, we will just catch you. We will catch you,” he added.

Earlier this month, the PDEA chief revealed that a big-time drug personality killed during an operation was supplying illegal drugs to at least two male celebrities. 

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said PDEA and other agencies should not just focus on interdiction operations but also help in the campaign to prevent drug addiction.

Sotto, principal author of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, said PDEA and other concerned law enforcement agencies should not only concentrate on drug reduction but also undertake steps to reduce demand for illegal drugs.

“Aside from a continuing relentless battle on enforcement and prosecution, the government through the PDEA should pursue a stronger and more serious preventive education and rehabilitation program,” Sotto said.

“Otherwise, there will be more addicts, therefore, more pushers. It’s the law of supply and demand,” he said.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, chairman of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, said the PDEA should prioritize seizures, particularly large-scale hauls, backed by good intelligence work.

He said drug users have already been hooked so cutting off supply can stem the drug scourge.

Reacting to President Duterte’s claim that the drug problem has worsened, Lacson said it was also possible that it is slowly abating.

He said the successive major raids could mean that government agencies are actually doing better work compared to the past, so the extent of the drug problem was being exposed to the public, but it does not necessarily mean it has worsened.   – With Paolo Romero