Pubdate: Mon, 24 Sep 2007
Source: Philippine Star (Philippines)
Copyright: PhilSTAR Daily Inc. 2007
Contact:  http://www.philstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/622
Author: Mayen Jaymalin
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

DRUG TEST ORDERED FOR B'GAY, SK BETS

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered all  candidates in 
the coming barangay and Sangguniang  Kabataan (SK) elections to 
undergo drug testing.

The Comelec issued a resolution requiring all  candidates to submit a 
certificate of drug test  attached to their certificate of candidacy (COC).

The poll body noted that the Comprehensive Dangerous  Drugs Act 
provides that all civil servants, whether  appointed or elected, 
should undergo mandatory drug  testing.

The law applies to candidates for Punong Barangay,  Sangguniang 
Barangay Kagawad Barangay, Sangguniang  Kabataan Chairman and 
Sangguniang Kabataan Kagawad in  the scheduled Oct. 29, 2007 
synchronized barangay and  SK elections.

Candidates are required to secure their drug test  certificates at 
the drug testing centers authorized or  accredited by the Department 
of Health (DOH).

The certificates should be filed before the Comelec  regional offices 
not later than Oct. 18.

All election officers will then submit the list of  candidates and 
their respective certificates before the  Comelec law department.

Candidates who fail to comply with the requirements  will be 
disqualified to participate in the elections.

On the other hand, the filing of the COC for the  barangay and SK 
elections will start on Sept. 29 up to  Oct. 18.

The Comelec adjusted the period of filing of COC to  allow candidates 
more time to prepare in the coming  polls.

Comelec said the COCs shall be filed during regular  office hours, 
except on the last day, when filing hours  will be extended up to midnight.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom