By Paula Valero
The so-called "young guns" of the House of Representatives agree to Vice President Sara Duterte’s challenge to take drug tests and psychiatric evaluations only if the challenger agrees to their condition to testify under oath before the House Blue Ribbon Committee about the allegations of misused funds.
The Young Guns do not need to do these tests, but they promised to take part in them and evaluate them under the condition that the Vice President show transparency by being under oath.
“We are more than willing to take the drug test and psychiatric exam, as the Vice President suggested, but we will not allow her to divert the real issue, which is the allegations of fund misuse and graft and corruption against her. We believe that transparency should go both ways. If she wants to challenge us, she should be ready to face the House Blue Ribbon Committee and testify under oath,” said House Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun.
“This isn’t just about clearing our names from baseless accusations—it’s about accountability, which every public official must uphold,” Khonghun added.
Khonghun stressed the significance of showing their eligibility to serve but pressed on the fact that public officials are supposed to be held responsible for their actions.
“I am prepared to take these tests, and I am sure my colleagues are as well. However, the public deserves the same level of transparency when it comes to the use of public funds, and this can only happen if Vice President Duterte agrees to testify,” Khonghun said.
“We have nothing to hide. We’re ready to undergo these tests, but in the same breath, the Vice President should demonstrate her accountability by appearing before Congress to answer the allegations of fund misuse in her office. Only then will this challenge truly serve the public interest,” House Assistant Majority Leader and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega said.
“We propose that neutral third-party groups of medical experts administer both the drug and psychiatric exams to ensure the process is objective and transparent,” Ortega added.
“We’re ready for these tests. Let’s schedule it within the next few days. But more than that, we challenge the Vice President to step forward and answer the people’s questions about her office’s budget use. The real test of leadership is accountability, and we hope she’s ready for that.” House Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong added.
House Minority Leader and Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Jil Bongalon, a lawyer, said that if any individual fails the drug test, then they have to face legal consequences due to the Dangerous Drugs Act.
Bongalon also agrees that the condition the Young Guns proposed is essential for transparency and good governance.
House Deputy Majority Leader and PBA Party-list Rep. Migs Nograles and Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Almario also promise to participate in the tests.
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