Presidential aspirant Senator Panfilo Lacson and vice presidential running mate Senate President Vicente Sotto III undergo a drug test at the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) headquarters. Photos from Sotto’s office.
MANILA, Philippines — Presidential aspirant Senator Panfilo Lacson and vice presidential running mate Senate President Vicente Sotto III underwent a voluntary drug test on Monday.
Lacson and Sotto went to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) headquarters to take the test.
“Magkaalaman na kung sino matatapang,” Sotto said.
(Let’s see who’s brave enough.)
According to Sotto, PDEA used a multi-drug testing kit on him and Lacson.
“What we underwent was not the ordinary testing. PDEA uses a MULTI DRUG testing kit. It can check all types of illegal drugs. Encompassing holistic drug tests,” Sotto said.
“Ordinary testing only checks marijuana and shabu,” he added.
The tandem decided to be drug tested after President Rodrigo Duterte last week accused a presidential aspirant of using cocaine.
While he did not give the person’s name, Duterte hinted that the aspirant comes from a well-known and rich clan, whose family name means “strong” and is known for its patriarch.
Earlier, Lacson said he is “1,000%” certain that the President was not referring to him.
“I have never been addicted to drugs all my life, so I have no problem with that. In fact, we should all undergo random testing to make it more credible. I understand drug toxins may dissipate after 72 hours,” Lacson said in a previous statement.
Other presidential bets have likewise said they are willing to be drug tested.
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