Gatchalian calls for voluntary drug testing of entertainers

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian. (File photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — Showbiz personalities should undergo voluntary drug testing to prove that they are supporting the government’s anti-drug campaign, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said Saturday.

“If you ask me, showbiz personalities should volunteer to undertake drug testing to show the public that the showbiz industry is supporting the anti-drug war,” Gatchalian, speaking in Filipino, said “Usapang Senado,” a program on AM radio station DWIZ.

Gatchalian said this in the wake of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s (PDEA) disclosure of 31 celebrities included in the government’s drugs watchlist.

READ: PDEA chief says ‘celebrity’ pushers in drugs watchlist

PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino also asked television networks to conduct mandatory and surprise drug tests on their actors and actresses.

READ: TV networks urged to conduct mandatory, surprise drug test to celebs

“That is a good message for the public and it would enhance the image of an institution if it would conduct voluntary drug tests and show the country that it is supporting the campaign against illegal drugs,” Gatchalian said. /atm