“If it has to be applied to the business of show, so be it.”
This was Boy Abunda's statement regarding the issue of celebrities being given random drug tests.
At the press conference of Technomarine at Romulo Cafe on September 1, the talk show host and talent manager had no qualms about it.
He said, “Tayo'y [celebrities] dapat din bilang mga mamamayan. Kung ito ay isinasagawa sa iba't ibang sektor ng lipunan.
“Madalas tayo'y nagko-complain kung bakit tayo sini-single out. Why would we expect special treatment?
“So, kung ito ay kinakailangan, bakit hindi gawin?”
In case these drug tests would become a requirement, Boy would be willing to impose it on his talents, which would include Kris Aquino, Dawn Zulueta, Gretchen Barretto, and Ai-Ai delas Alas.
On the issue whether the list of showbiz personalities involved in illegal drugs should be released to the public or not, he acknowledged Robin Padilla's recent statement being not in favor.
Read: Robin Padilla not in favor of publicly naming showbiz personalities involved in drugs
“I respect that. Ang akin ay what is done to one sector should be applicable to all.
“Naalala niyo every time sinasabi natin, 'Bakit ang BIR tinitignan lang ay tayo?'
“Nagko-complain tayo, bakit sini-single out show business?
“You know, let's not impose anything that we cannot impose on ourselves.
“So, kung patas, patas ang laban.
“Ang pakiusap ko lamang ay the vetting process, iyong pag-imbestiga ay mabusisi dahil we are a public business.
“Reputations are at stake. Kahit hindi ka nasa show business, reputation is reputation.”