Rivals Duterte, Nograles take drug test challenge

Metro Manila, Philippines — Two possible rivals for Davao City’s first district took the hair follicle drug test challenge on Wednesday, Oct. 23.

PBA party-list Rep. Migs Nograles took her test at a clinic in Davao City, while Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte had his sample tested at a clinic in Mandaluyong City.

“Ito ‘yung (This is my) promise ko for transparency and accountability,” Nograles said.

“Hindi naman masama siguro kung magpa-drug test ka kung wala kang tinatago. Pero kung may tinatago ka, it’s up to you kung paano mo iha-handle ‘yung sarili mo sa harap ng mga constituents mo,” Duterte said.

[Translation: It is not bad to undergo a drug test if you are not hiding anything. But if you are, it’s up to you how you will handle yourself in front of your constituents.]

Test results are pending.

Duterte challenged Nograles to take the drug test to make sure that those who will serve the people of Davao City “are clean and free from any involvement in illegal drugs.”

Duterte showed a negative test result.

Nograles, however, pointed out that Duterte’s test was done in August. She dared Duterte to take another test on Wednesday.

The Nograleses and Dutertes have filed candidacies for the mayoral post and district representation in Davao City.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.