Lawmakers Urge Acting Davao Mayor to Enforce Drug Testing
Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte faces calls from lawmakers to first enforce a mandatory hair follicle drug test among government employees in Davao City before pushing for the same nationwide. This demand for action comes amid Duterte’s challenge to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III to require drug testing for all elected officials.
The exact four word keyphrase “mandatory hair follicle drug test” is central to this ongoing debate as local leaders urge Duterte to prioritize his city’s drug problem. Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun and Manila Rep. Joel Chua voiced their concerns on Sunday, emphasizing accountability at the local level.
Local Officials Highlight Drug Use Cases in Davao
According to data from the Davao City Anti-Drug Abuse Council, 37 government workers from the city’s Public Safety and Security Office tested positive for illegal drugs during random checks in 2024. Khonghun stressed, “If Mayor Baste is really serious in his advocacy to fight illegal drugs, then he should check Davao first. Under his leadership, 37 government workers were caught using illegal drugs. Make sure to clean your turf first.”
Chua supported this stance and added that Duterte himself should undergo drug testing with the results made public, reinforcing transparency and trust.
Charity Boxing Match Proceeds Without Duterte
Despite Duterte’s absence, the charity boxing event between him and PNP Chief Torre pushed through at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila. Duterte declined to attend, proposing to reschedule the match for the following week. Official records revealed Duterte had left the Philippines for Singapore days before the event.
Khonghun warned against using the fight against illegal drugs as mere political theater, reminding everyone that lives hang in the balance. “Before you throw challenges at the president, take responsibility for your turf. Drug test your entire city government. Let’s see who passes. Anything less is just noise,” Chua remarked.
Background of the Duterte-Torre Dispute
The tension between Duterte and Torre traces back to the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing an arrest warrant against former President Rodrigo Duterte, the acting mayor’s father. The warrant accuses the former president of crimes against humanity linked to the previous administration’s controversial war on drugs. Since the Philippine government handed him over, the ex-president has been detained in The Hague, Netherlands.
Government statistics indicate that the anti-drug campaign resulted in over 6,000 deaths, although human rights organizations estimate the toll to be at least 20,000.
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