Senator Zubiri Commits to Senate Drug Testing
Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri announced that he and his entire team will undergo drug testing this coming Monday. This decisive move aims to dispel any doubts surrounding the alleged marijuana use incident inside the Senate. The senator emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in his office.
“This coming week, I will subject my office to random drug testing. I will definitely test them all,” Zubiri stated during a radio interview, according to officials who relayed his comments. He further stressed, “I will mandatorily ask my staff, to take drug testing, including me.”
Balancing Accountability and Rehabilitation
The senator also outlined the steps his office will take if any staff members test positive. He assured that due process will be observed, combining accountability with opportunities for rehabilitation.
“What we will do, for due process, maybe we can ask for their preventive suspension,” Zubiri explained. He added in Filipino, “If they admitted that they are really using drugs, let’s give them a chance to rehabilitate. Let them go to rehab first. And when they rehab after a few months and their drug test is negative, we can allow them to go back to work.”
Support for Senate-Wide Random Drug Testing
Senator Zubiri welcomed the recent call by Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III to revive random drug testing across all Senate employees. He encouraged his colleagues to join in this initiative to uphold the chamber’s integrity.
“I encourage all the other offices, all the other senators, to do the same,” Zubiri urged. “Lawmakers should not be lawbreakers.” He expressed readiness to undergo more stringent testing methods, including hair follicle drug tests, to prove innocence and lead by example.
“If you are not guilty, you should not be afraid. We want to show and lead by example,” the senator remarked. He also noted that members of the minority should demonstrate transparency by conducting random drug testing within their offices.
Incident and Clarifications
The controversy began when a report named “Nadia Montinegro” in connection with alleged marijuana use inside a women’s restroom within the Senate building. Subsequent verification confirmed that former actress Nadia Montenegro is employed in the office of Senator Robin Padilla.
Montenegro denied the allegations of smoking or using marijuana inside the Senate’s ladies’ comfort room but acknowledged carrying a vape device in her bag, according to community members familiar with the situation.
Senator Zubiri’s proactive stance on Senate drug testing aims to restore public trust and set a high standard of conduct for lawmakers and their staff.
For more news and updates on Senate drug testing, visit Filipinokami.com.
