Padilla tests negative for drugs

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Robinhood Padilla tested negative for drug use yesterday after he submitted himself to voluntary drug test at the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) headquarters in Quezon City.

PDEA chief Wilkins Villanueva welcomed Padilla when he went to the agency.

Padilla said he submitted himself to a drug test in response to the proposal of Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers that actors should undergo mandatory drug testing.

“Maganda na nakikita nila na pumunta ka rito at voluntary na magpa-drug test tayo para mawala ‘yung mga haka-haka,” Padilla told reporters.

The PDEA’s chemistry report on the actor-turned politician’s urine samples showed him negative for illegal drug use.

Padilla urged other government officials and employees to submit themselves to drug test.

Barbers, who chairs the House committee on dangerous drugs, made the call after actor Dominic Roco was nabbed during a drug sting in Quezon City last week.