Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla ordered a drug test for Isabela Vice Mayor Jeryll Harold Respicio following a public outburst during a local council session. The decision came after Respicio reportedly lost control during a meeting in Reina Mercedes, Isabela.
Remulla stated he would request the drug test as a precautionary measure. He expressed concern about Respicio’s behavior, suggesting it may have been influenced by substance use. The official did not specify the nature of the outburst but emphasized the need for a formal check.
This follows a recent trend of increased scrutiny on local officials in the Philippines. Similar measures have been taken in other regions, with authorities using drug tests as a tool to address public conduct. The incident highlights ongoing efforts to maintain discipline among local leaders.
