Mandatory hair follicle drug test for all gov't officials sought

Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Duterte reiterated his longstanding call for mandatory hair follicle drug testing for all government officials, following Sen. Imee Marcos' disclosure about her brother, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., on Monday night, Nov. 17.

- By IVY TEJANO

In a statement on his official Facebook page, Duterte said that Sen. Marcos' claims require transparency from public officials and should not be dismissed as "excuses."

"If Sen. Imee's statements are true, then the Filipino people deserve clarity, not excuses," Duterte said.

He emphasized that he and other lawmakers have repeatedly advocated for implementing hair follicle drug testing in government, stressing that the proposal is neither new nor politically motivated.

"For years, we have been at the forefront of the call for hair follicle drug testing for all government officials," Duterte said. "This is not new. This is not personal. This is for transparency and integrity in government."

The Davao City lawmaker questioned why some officials refuse to undergo this kind of testing. "Why? What are you hiding? Who are you protecting? If there is nothing to fear, then no one should refuse."

Due to Sen. Marcos' remarks, Duterte said their push becomes even more urgent. "All government officials must undergo drug testing. No exemptions. No special treatment."