Isabela VP undergoes costly drug test after Interior chief's challenge

Vice Mayor Respicio submitted to the extensive examination, which cost P28,000 and included both qualitative and quantitative testing methods. The procedure was conducted at a private hospital following the Interior Secretary's public suggestion that the official undergo drug screening. The tests were reportedly among the most comprehensive available, with samples collected from the Vice Mayor during the assessment. Respicio's decision to undergo the voluntary testing came in response to Remulla's remarks, which were made following an incident during a council meeting. The Vice Mayor's submission to the drug test represents an attempt to address concerns raised by the Interior official, though the circumstances surrounding the original council session outburst remain subject to public discussion in the province.