The House of Representatives leadership has rejected proposals by members and other groups to impose mandatory drug testing for all congressmen.

Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said there is no legal basis to demand from House members that they undergo drug testing to determine whether they are fit or not to execute their duties as lawmakers.

The proposal has been raised in the Lower House following the arrest of Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson by police authorities in Hong Kong.

The two-term lawmaker has been accused of trafficking illegal drugs into the Chinese territory.

Gonzales said House members are not enjoined to undergo drug tests but they may do so voluntarily.

He added that even the Supreme Court has slammed drug tests as a requisite for seeking public office.

The House official said the committee on ethics cannot take cognizance of Singson’s case until it is convened and adopts rules on complaints it may investigate and resolve.

Chairmanship of the panel has been assigned to the House minority by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte.

Minority Leader Edcel Lagman told reporters that Lakas-Kampi-CMD, whose members comprise the minority bloc, has decided to nominate Siquijor Rep. Orlando Fua to the chairmanship post.

Fua recently said the panel will only inquire into the Singson drug case if a complainant comes forward or if the case will threaten the integrity of the Lower House and its members.