Senators Panfilo Lacson, who is running for president, and his running mate, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, underwent voluntary drug testing on Monday after President Rodrigo Duterte alleged that one of those seeking to succeed him in 2022 was a cocaine user.
Both Lacson and Sotto tested negative for illegal drugs at the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, with Senate President Sotto emphasizing that they don't use cocaine.
"Dapat ang description - highest lider ng bansa, hindi high ang lider ng bansa," Lacson, who is running for president, said in a Facebook post.
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President Duterte alleged that the drug-using politician was involved with a group of rich individuals using cocaine in his hometown Davao City, and in Manila. His claims fueled speculations on social media with "Bongbong Narcos" trending on Twitter Philippines on Friday.
Bongbong Marcos, who is running for president alongside Duterte's daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio, had previously denied drug use. He also said during his vice presidential campaign in 2016 that he was willing to take a drug test.
Duterte's claims have also prompted the Philippine National Police to investigate the matter.
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