Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said that he wants Reina Mercedes, Isabela Vice Mayor Harold Respicio to undergo a drug test after the local official was involved in a heated exchange during a Sangguniang Bayan session.
Remulla said he wants Respicio to undergo drug testing, citing the vice mayor’s behavior while presiding over the session.
“Gusto ko ipa-drug test muna... Tingin ko talaga adik, eh. Eh kasi, ngayon lang ako nakakita ng Vice Mayor na kung manigaw, gano’n, di ba? Parang nakasinghot... kung umasta,” Remulla said.
The DILG is also reportedly studying the issuance of a show cause order requiring Respicio to explain his actions during the session.
Respicio, however, welcomed the challenge and said he is willing to undergo drug testing to prove that he is not using illegal drugs.
“Secretary Jonvic, let’s go now! Today, punta tayo sa St. Luke’s. Samahan mo ako kuhanan niyo ako ng dugo. Tignan niyo kung talagang nagdadrugs ako,” Respicio said in a separate interview.
The vice mayor also maintained that he has no regrets over his conduct during the heated session, including his shouting at barangay captains.
