An official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Wednesday that they cannot require candidates to undergo psychological test because it is not contained in the Constitution.

“Psychological test is not required under the law. Same as the requirement for a drug test,” James Jimenez, Comelec spokesman, said.

“We have to understand that the requirements for running for office are contained in the Constitution. If you add any other requirement there, then it will be tantamount to amending the Constitution unlawfully,” he added.

Under Section 63 of the Batas Pambansa 881, qualifications of presidential candidates only include being a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, a registered voter, is able to read and write, at least 40 years old on the day of election, and a resident of the Philippines for at least 10 years immediately preceding such election.

But if the candidates want to take the tests, Jimenez said that they may do so. “If they want to take a psychological test…that’s entirely their problem,” he said.

Last Monday, the Nacionalista Party (NP) challenged Liberal Party presidential candidate Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III to undergo psychiatric test after a TV news report featured a document purportedly showing that Aquino suffered from depression in 1996. (Leslie Aquino)