The arrest of actor Dominic Roco in a narcotics buy-bust operation in Quezon City on Saturday prompted a lawmaker to propose mandatory drug testing for actors and celebrities before committing to working on films and other related projects.
Surigao del Norte Second District Representative Robert Ace Barbers stressed that actors and other movie celebs who have a huge influence on the public should refrain from drugs or substance abuse since they serve as good role models to youth.
"They would be setting bad examples if they would be involved in the use of drugs, or worse selling drugs," said Barbers, who also chairs the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs.
He is also calling on film businesses for assistance in policing its ranks and subjecting its stars to drug testing before casting them in films.
Roco, son of veteran actor Bembol Roco, was arrested with four other individuals by the Quezon City Police District Station 14 Drug Enforcement Unit for possessing suspected illegal drugs in operation in Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City, on Saturday.
Recovered from the group includes P112,000 worth of alleged shabu, P14,000 worth of alleged marijuana, a weighing scale, and marked peso bills.
At least eight celebrities were detained for alleged participation in illegal narcotics during the anti-drug campaign in 2016, under former president Rodrigo Duterte's term.