Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her willingness to undergo a neuropsychiatric examination, even suggesting that it be televised. During an ambush interview on Tuesday, Duterte stated she had no issue with the exam and added that she would also take a drug test, urging all candidates for the House of Representatives to do the same.
“As a voter, I demand that they take a drug test. My fellow citizens, you should also demand that the congressional candidates take a drug test because if I am unstable, in my eyes, they are also unstable,” Duterte said.
The vice president challenged young lawmakers who have been vocal against her, as well as her brother, Paolo Duterte, and Davao City’s first district candidate Margarita Nograles, to take drug tests. Nograles accepted the challenge, stating she would schedule the tests soon.
Duterte called on the Philippine Medical Association and the Philippine Psychiatric Association to help establish guidelines for independent drug testing. She mentioned that this would be her third neuropsychiatric exam, having previously undergone the test for a court case and her Public Attorney’s Office application.
The comments come amid ongoing tensions between Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s family. Marcos’ son, Sandro, criticized Duterte’s recent statements about the Marcoses, calling her remarks “abhorrent.” Despite these criticisms, Duterte denied claims that she is unstable and dismissed the idea that she is desperate for power.