Vice Mayor Jeryll Harold Respicio of Reina Mercedes, Isabela, has been ordered to undergo a drug test by Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla. The directive follows an outburst during a Sangguniang Bayan session.
Remulla stated he would ask Respicio to take the test, saying it was necessary to determine if the vice mayor was under the influence of illegal drugs. The decision came after a viral incident where Respicio reportedly lost control during a local council meeting.
The test will be conducted at St. Luke’s Medical Center. No further details were provided on the nature of the outburst or the specific drugs in question. Respicio has not publicly commented on the matter.
This is not the first time local officials in Isabela have faced scrutiny over drug use. In 2022, a barangay captain in the same province was suspended after testing positive for cannabis. The incident highlighted ongoing concerns about substance abuse among public officials in the region.
The drug test order reflects growing pressure on local leaders to maintain public trust and uphold ethical standards. It also underscores the role of national authorities in addressing misconduct at the local level.
