PBA party-list lawmaker Migs Nograles and Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte both underwent hair follicle drug tests on Wednesday, seemingly in response to a growing political rivalry.
Nograles, who is challenging Duterte for the Davao City First District Representative seat in next year’s elections, took the test in a laboratory in her hometown of Davao City, the Dutertes’ political stronghold.
“This is for accountability, transparency,” Nograles told reporters, downplaying the challenge posed by Duterte. Duterte, meanwhile, took the same test in Mandaluyong City.
Nograles welcomed Duterte’s decision to take an updated drug test after he challenged her to do the same by releasing a video of his August 2024 hair follicle drug test. “I haven’t seen him in Davao, but at least we were able to do it (take the drug test), even if not in the same area,” Nograles added.
The two politicians, daughter of late speaker Prospero Nograles and son of former president Rodrigo Duterte respectively, are now locked in a high-stakes political battle for the Davao City First District seat. The drug tests, while seemingly routine, are seen as a move to bolster their respective campaigns and address concerns about their fitness for office.
metrosundaily
