Jonvic Remulla wants drug test for Isabela town vice mayor after heated session

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Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday said he wants Reina Mercedes, Isabela Vice Mayor Harold Respicio to undergo a drug test following a heated incident during a session of the Sangguniang Bayan.

Remulla made the remark when asked what action the agency would take against Respicio.

“Ipapa-drug test ko muna, parang wala sa sarili,” Remulla said in an ambush interview.

(I'll have him undergo a drug test first. He doesn’t seem like himself.)

Remulla said he would leave it to provincial officials to deal with Respicio, but suggested that the vice mayor undergo a drug test, citing his behavior during the heated session.

“But [Governor Rodolfo Albano is] handling him. I advise him to give him a drug test kasi mukhang adik yung asal niya eh," he said.

(But [Governor Rodolfo Albano is] handling him. I advise him to give him a drug test because his behavior seems like that of a drug addict.)

Remulla expressed dismay over Respicio's behavior. Under the law, the DILG exercises supervisory role over local governments.

"Meron bang normal na vice mayor na ganun? Parang wala sa sarili eh. Di ba? Parang hindi halal,” he added.

(Is there a normal vice mayor who acts like that? He seems out of his mind. Right? He does not act like an elected official.)

Remulla said the DILG is also studying the possible issuance of a show-cause order requiring Respicio to explain his actions.

He said the incident may also involve alleged abuse against a person in authority after Respicio reportedly shouted at a police officer.

In a phone interview with GMA News' Jun Veneracion, Respicio said he was ready to accept Remulla's challenge to undergo a drug test.

Respicio also said he had no regrets over his actions, including shouting at barangay captains during the incident.— MCG, GMA News

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