To show his determination to address the threat of drug menace, Senate Majority Floor Leader Vicente "Tito" Sotto III on Wednesday submitted himself voluntarily to undergo illegal-drugs testing before the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) office in Quezon City .

“I believe that this is vital in assuring our people that their elected representatives are drug-free and to remove the cloud of suspicion generated by the arrest of a member of Congress for alleged drug trafficking in Hong Kong,” Sotto said.

Sotto explained that while the Supreme Court's decision struck down the constitutionality of mandatory drug-testing for candidates for public office in the doctrinal case of SJS vs. DDB-PDEA in 2008, there is nothing wrong if elected officials voluntarily submit themselves for drug-testing.

"What the Supreme Court said was unconstitutional was the mandatory nature of illegal drug-testing for candidates for public office," Sotto said. "Public officials must set an example for the public, the youth, and those in public service for which the Civil Service Commission (CSC) should take the lead.  This will complement the companion program for a drug-free workplace in private offices,” he concluded.

Senator Sotto was the principal author of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the "Comprehensive Drugs Act of 2002".

During his term as Chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), he implemented  the drug-free program for DDB employees.

He was recently elected as Senate Majority Floor Leader and had filed several proposed enhancement measures to RA 9165, such as rendition of  free drug rehabilitation and special drug courts.

Earlier, he expressed concern about illegal drugs problem following the arrest of Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson's son Representative Ronald Singson in Hong Kong for possession of several grams of cocaine.

Sotto promised to give priority to address drug related problems which he said threatens the stability and peace and order situation of the country.