Former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. files his certificate of candidacy (COC) for president on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at the Sofitel Harbor Garden Tent in Pasay City. FILE PHOTO / INQUIRER.net / Daniza Fernandez
MANILA, Philippines — The St. Luke’s Medical Center on Thursday dispelled doubts on the authenticity of its drug test results after it received a backlash when presidential aspirant and son of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took a cocaine test in the hospital’s branch in Taguig City.
The hospital was responding to individuals and social media posts questioning the format and the given address of the hospital branch, alleging there may be fakery involved.
“The format of the printed test result is standard and common among all healthcare facilities authorized by the Department of Health (DOH) to conduct dangerous drug tests,” it said in a statement posted on its Facebook page.
“Regarding the mention of Bgy. Ususan as our location, this is because that is the only available location in DOH Integrated Drug Test Operation Management Information System when St. Luke’s Medical Center – Global City was accredited in 2010,” it added.
The hospital urged the public to avoid posting “misleading and inaccurate” information on social media.
“St. Luke’s calls on everyone to verify the information they receive from others and the information they plan to post online,” it added.
The camp of Marcos was first to insist on the authenticity of the drug test results, urging critics not drag other respectable institutions, like the St. Luke’s, in their bid to smear the name of the presidential candidate.
Marcos said he took the test on Monday and had the results submitted to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, National Bureau of Investigation, and Philippine National Police last Tuesday.
Marcos said he had the drug test done to put to rest speculations after President Rodrigo Duterte claimed there was a cocaine-hitting presidential aspirant.
Marcos, however, said he did not feel alluded to by the President.