The Philippine Vice President, Sara Duterte, announced her intention to undergo a neuropsychiatric exam and take a drug test. In an ambush interview, Duterte emphasized the importance of these tests for herself and other candidates running for the House of Representatives. She urged voters to demand drug tests from congressional candidates, highlighting that if she is expected to undergo examination, so should they.
Duterte directly challenged young lawmakers in the House and candidates for Davao City’s first district, including her brother Paolo Duterte and Margarita Nograles, to take drug tests. Responding to the challenge positively, Nograles agreed to schedule tests in the coming days. Duterte also called for the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and the Philippine Psychiatric Association to establish guidelines for independent third-party hair follicle drug testing to ensure transparency.
As a lawyer, Duterte mentioned that this would be her third neuropsychiatric exam, having undergone previous ones for a court case and when applying to the Public Attorney’s Office. She expressed openness to the examination process and highlighted the need for standardized testing protocols. Vice President Sara Duterte also expressed her willingness to undergo the neuropsychiatric exam, even suggesting that it could be broadcast publicly to ensure transparency and accountability.
