THE Young Guns in the House of Representatives on Tuesday accepted Vice President Sara Duterte’s challenge to undergo tests for illegal drug substances and psychiatric evaluation, despite there being no necessity for them.
However, they countered with their own condition: for the Vice President to testify under oath before the House Blue Ribbon Committee investigating alleged fund misuse in the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
“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 said.
He emphasized the importance of proving their fitness to serve but stressed that public officials should also be accountable 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.
Vice President Duterte’s challenge originally stemmed from criticisms leveled against her, including calls from some members of the Young Guns, particularly regarding her controversial statements and decisions.
House Assistant Majority Leader and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega, another Young Guns leader, responded directly, stating, “If we’re going to undergo these tests, let’s level the playing field. We’re all public servants here, so let’s agree that anyone failing the drug or psychiatric test should face the consequences, and anyone found misusing public funds should also be held accountable.”
“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,” Ortega said.
Ortega also stressed that the tests must be conducted fairly and with impartial oversight.
“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 said.
House Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong 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 Minority Leader and Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Jil Bongalon, a lawyer, said “any individual found to have failed the drug test should face legal consequences under the Dangerous Drugs Act.”
Furthermore, Bongalon emphasized that “the Vice President’s appearance before the Blue Ribbon Committee was essential for transparency and good governance, a cornerstone of their call to action.”
House Deputy Majority Leader and PBA Party-list Rep. Migs Nograles and Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Almario also vowed to undergo the tests.
