Acting Mayor Duterte dares PBBM to order all elected officials to take hair follicle test
By Ivy Tejano
DUTERTE
DAVAO CITY – Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte issued a challenge to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to publicly call for mandatory hair follicle drug testing for all elected officials in the country.
Duterte's remarks came in response to a proposed "charity boxing match" by Philippine National Police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III which the acting city mayor openly questioned.
In a snippet from the "Basta Dabawenyo" podcast to be posted on social media on Sunday, July 27, the local chief executive, known for his outspoken demeanor and tough stance on illegal drugs, did not hold back.
“You’ve laid some conditions, then let me lay mine,” Duterte said, addressing Torre. “Ask President Marcos and let it come out of his mouth that all elected officials should undergo a hair follicle drug test.”
“Huwag kang mag-alala Torre kasi matagal ko na talagang gusto makabugbog ng unggoy (Don't worry, Torre, because I've really wanted to beat up a monkey for a long time)," the acting city mayor added.
Duterte questioned the true intention behind Torre's charity boxing event, which he earlier proposed to be held at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, criticizing the use of the Metro Manila floods as a backdrop for publicity.
“If you just want a fistfight, why do you need charity? Why use what’s happening now in Metro Manila? If you are really serious about this… then let me lay my own conditions," Duterte said.
Duterte emphasized that he is not against the proposed charity match per se, but stressed the importance of transparency and accountability from the president and all public officials—especially on issues involving illegal drugs.
“Papalagan ko yang charity, charity mong ‘yan (I will go along with that charity of yours). No problem—if it will help address the issues of our country, I can do that," Duterte said.
The video posted on CM Baste Duterte's Facebook page stirred mixed reactions, with some supporting his bold stance on drug testing among officials, while others criticized the tone of his remarks.
Torre’s proposed charity fight sparked debate over the motivations behind it and whether such public spectacles help or distract from pressing national concerns.
Torre, Marcos, or Malacañang has yet to issue a response to Duterte’s public challenge as of posting time.