Manila Mayor Isko Moreno took a drug test with his running mate on Thursday, news cameras in tow, joining fellow presidential aspirants in proving to the electorate that they don't use cocaine and other banned substances.
Cameras trailed the former movie actor until he shut the door to the restroom where he collected his urine sample. He tested negative, as did his running mate, Dr. Willie Ong.
"Salamat sa Diyos, negative. Sa cocaine, sa shabu, sa marijuana at iba pang illegal substance. Again, thank you sa PDEA. This is our one way of submitting ourselves to the proper agencies of government," he said.
"Ito rin ay isa naming maliit na kaparaanan ni Doc Willie na sinusuportahan ang war on drugs ng ating Pangulong Duterte, being a candidate."
President Rodrigo Duterte said the week before that one of those running to succeed him was a cocaine user. He did not name Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., who had dodged such allegations.
Marcos' office released negative test results that were questioned online for authenticity. His spokesman said those who doubt it could check the source.
The tandem of Sen. Panfilo Lacson for president and Senate President Tito Sotto for Vice President also tested negative for drug use. Vice President Leni Robredo, also seeking the presidency, said she was willing to undergo an unannounced drug test.
Moreno said the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency should be the proper venue for drug testing. Marcos got his at a private clinic.
"Kung talagang wala kang kinukubli, may tamang ahensya, PDEA. You go here, submit yourself. Bakit kapag ordinaryong tao nire-require nating i-test 'pag sila suspected? 'Diba tine-test natin, PDEA nagte-test pero 'pag kandidato kang presidente hindi na puwede sa PDEA? Parang double standard tayo," he said.
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