At least 3 more lawmakers to take drug tests

At least three more lawmakers will undergo drug testing to help remove suspicion in anyone’s mind about lawmakers, following the arrest of Rep. Ray Palacios (Cov-Saipan) on charges of drug trafficking and alleged drug use.

As of yesterday, nine lawmakers have already heeded House Speaker Eli Cabrera’s (R-Saipan) call for voluntary drug testing. Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan (Ind-MP) was among those whose results came back “negative,” while one other who underwent testing is still waiting for the result.

Rep. Ray Basa (Cov-Saipan), Rep. Ray Tebuteb (R-Saipan) and Rep. Tony Sablan separately said yesterday they will also undergo drug testing.

“I will take a drug test hopefully before the end of the year,” said Basa.

Tebuteb, for his part, said in his opinion, drug testing among elected officials should be mandatory, just like ordinary government employees and members of boards and commissions who are required to undergo drug testing before being hired or confirmed.

Besides Cabrera and Delegate Sablan, the following have also undergone drug testing since October: Floor leader George Camacho (Ind-Saipan), Rep. Teresita Santos (Ind-Rota), Rep. Ray Yumul (R-Saipan), Rep. Frank Dela Cruz (R-Saipan), Rep. Edmund Villagomez (Cov-Saipan), Rep. Joseph Palacios (R-Saipan) and Rep. Fred Deleon Guerrero (Ind-Saipan). The latter has yet to get his results back.

Dela Cruz said the public wouldn’t know whether their elected officials are drug-free if they don’t undergo drug testing.

“Everyone should take a drug test, especially the one charged with drug trafficking,” he said.

Rep. Ray Palacios (Cov-Saipan), who was arrested on charges of drug trafficking in October, has yet to undergo any drug test. Before his arrest, Ray Palacios told the media that he may have used drugs in the past or bought drugs for family members. He stepped down as chairman of the House Committee on Education in November.

Rep. Stanley Torres (Ind-Saipan), meanwhile, said yesterday he will not undergo drug testing but pointed out he is drug-free.

“Although I am advocating for the legalization of marijuana, I don’t use drugs. It’s every lawmaker’s choice whether to have themselves tested for drugs or not. Like the speaker said, it’s voluntary, not mandatory,” said Torres, who introduced a bill legalizing marijuana for medicinal and recreational use, as well as a bill legalizing marijuana only for medicinal purpose.

Other House members either didn’t want to comment or couldn’t be reached for comment yesterday.

Another lawmaker said that just because one lawmaker was accused of using or selling drugs doesn’t mean that all lawmakers should also be tested. Another one said taking the drug test is an added expense, especially for those who don’t use drugs anyway.

Meanwhile, the Special Standing Committee on Official Conduct and Ethics that the speaker formed to investigate Rep. Palacios’ alleged drug use has yet to come up with a report.