Manila, Aug. 18 -- Senate President Francis Escudero directed a review of the Senate's random drug testing policy on Monday to ensure stricter implementation, following reports of alleged marijuana use within the chamber's premises.

In a letter to Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III dated Aug. 18, Escudero confirmed that the Senate conducted its most recent mandatory random drug test (MRDT) for officials and employees on March 20, and preparations are underway for another round.

"I fully join you in this important initiative and wish to inform you that the Senate proper and service bureaus conducted its MRDT on all Senate officials and employees last March 20, 2025," Escudero said, assuring that forthcoming testing would be comprehensive ...