Palace officials willing to undergo drug test if P-Noy will require them -- Lacierda

MANILA, July 30 (PNA) — Malacanang officials are willing to undergo drug testing if President Benigno Simeon Aquino III will require them, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a media briefing on Thursday.

Secretary Lacierda made the pronouncement after Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III volunteered to submit himself to drug test following the recent arrest of Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson at Hong Kong international airport for alleged illegal possession of 26.1 grams of cocaine and two tablets of Valium.

Singson was denied bail for his temporary release for the drug case he is facing. He is now in detention while awaiting his arraignment which is scheduled next month.

Lacierda also said in the same media briefing that the government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), is willing to extend legal assistance to the detained lawmaker.

However, Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson said they have private lawyers who will assist his son. (PNA)