Isabela official clears drug test after cabinet minister's challenge

Vice Mayor Jeryll Harold Respicio of Reina Mercedes, Isabela passed a drug screening test on Wednesday at St. Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City, results that came after Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla publicly challenged the local official to undergo testing.

The drug test, which cost approximately P28,000, returned a negative result. Following the completion of the examination, Respicio made light of the situation, suggesting that Remulla should cover the medical expenses given that the cabinet official had initiated the challenge.

"Jonvic, refund me. The drug test was expensive," Respicio said, according to reports of his statement outside the medical facility.

The incident reflects ongoing tensions between local and national government officials over drug-related allegations and compliance with administration policies on narcotics. The results effectively cleared Respicio of any substance abuse allegations raised by the Interior Department.

Remulla, who oversees the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Internal Affairs, has been vocal about enforcing drug testing requirements for public officials as part of the administration's anti-drug campaign.