17-8-2024 (MANILA) Vice President Sara Duterte has expressed her support for a proposed bill that would mandate random drug tests for all elected and appointed government officials in the Philippines, including the president. The bill, introduced by her brother, Davao Representative Paolo Duterte, aims to ensure that public servants are of sound mind and free from substance abuse.
In an impromptu interview on Thursday, the Vice President stated, “Of course I support the bill. We must ensure that our public officials, myself included, are in the right state of mind to serve the people effectively.”
The proposed legislation, House Bill 10744, outlines a comprehensive approach to drug testing. It specifies the use of hair follicle samples for initial screening, with a follow-up urine test to confirm any positive results. The bill also provides an option for electoral candidates to voluntarily undergo a hair follicle drug test within 90 days prior to elections.
Responding to public calls for her to take a drug test, Vice President Duterte revealed that her team is currently working on arrangements. She emphasised the importance of transparency and credibility in the process, stating, “We’re planning to involve third-party observers and multiple laboratories to validate the results and ensure the test’s integrity.”
The push for mandatory drug testing comes against a backdrop of recent political tensions. The Duterte siblings’ father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and the current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have exchanged unsubstantiated accusations of drug use. Neither has provided evidence to support their claims.
This development follows Vice President Duterte’s resignation from the Marcos Cabinet in June. Since then, she has been notably absent from key government events, including President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address, and has publicly criticised the administration’s flood management strategies.
The proposal for mandatory drug testing of government officials reflects a broader concern about substance abuse in Philippine politics and society. It also underscores the Duterte family’s continued focus on anti-drug policies, a hallmark of the former president’s administration.
