Vice President Sara Duterte has expressed her support for a proposed bill that would require mandatory random drug testing for government officials. The bill, filed by her brother, Davao 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte, aims to ensure that public officials are mentally fit for their roles.
In an interview in Davao City, Vice President Duterte emphasized the importance of verifying that government officials, including herself, are of sound mind. House Bill No. 10744 mandates random drug tests, specifically using hair follicle tests, for all elected and appointed officials, including the President, every six months.
The bill also proposes voluntary random drug testing for candidates seeking electoral posts within 90 days before Election Day. Officials who test positive could face suspension or termination from office.
Vice President Duterte also expressed her willingness to undergo a hair follicle drug test, responding to a challenge by former Presidential spokesman Harry Roque. She stressed the need for a third party to oversee the testing and for multiple laboratories to validate the results to ensure transparency.