Pubdate: Thu, 24 Jun 2004
Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer (Philippines)
Copyright: 2004 Philippine Daily Inquirer
Contact:  http://www.inquirer.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1073

ELECTION WINNERS REMINDED OF DRUG TEST, EXPENSE REPORT

LESS than a week before their June 30 assumption into office, winning 
candidates were reminded Thursday to file their certificates of drug test 
and statements of expenditures and contributions before the Commission on 
Elections.

The reminder came from Election Commissioner Resurreccion Borra who noted 
that among those who have yet to submit these requirements included 
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Senators Aquilino Pimentel and 
Jinggoy Estrada, and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

Ms Macapagal still has to file her statement of expenditures while the 
others need to file their drug test documents.

According to Borra, the commission en banc had issued a resolution asking 
concerned government agencies like the Senate, Congress and the Department 
of Interior and Local Government for help in implementing the drug testing 
requirement for the incoming officials.

He said that the case of Duterte would be handled by the DILG while those 
of Pimentel and Estrada would be referred to the Senate.

The resolution, Borra said, was prompted by reports from the field that the 
drug test requirement was being challenged.

"We don't want to be labelled as combative so we will seek help of the 
other agencies ... We will monitor these and then bring this to the 
attention of the public and invoke the provisions of the law," Borra said.

On the statement of campaign expenses, the commissioner said that Ms 
Macapagal's lawyer had already sent word that her report would be 
submitted. Martin P. Marfil
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart