MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte has accepted former presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr.’s challenge to undergo a hair follicle drug test.
Roque issued the challenge following the introduction of a bill by the vice president’s brother, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte. The bill requires all elected and appointed government officials, including the President, to undergo hair follicle and urine drug tests 90 days before election day.
“They must not only prove that they are drug-free, but they must also demonstrate that they are in the right frame of mind to lead the country during these challenging times,” Roque said.
In a chance interview with reporters in Davao City on Thursday night, Duterte confirmed that she accepted Roque’s call for a drug test.
“Oh yes, I read the call of the people, and I will arrange the schedule, as a third party should be involved in the testing, and there should also be at least one laboratory to ensure that the results are validated,” Duterte said in Filipino.
She also expressed her support for her brother’s bill, stating that it would ensure all public officials, including herself, are of “right mind.”
However, several lawmakers have criticized the proposal, raising concerns about potential constitutional issues and accusing it of pushing a “specific agenda” to target a particular government official.
