Jonvic Remulla congratulates Harold Respicio on negative drug results

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Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla congratulated Reina Mercedes, Isabela Vice Mayor Harold Respicio, on the negative results of the latter's drug test.

Respicio had himself checked for illegal drugs after Remulla said he wanted the vice mayor to undergo a drug test after he got into a shouting match with barangay officials in Reina Mercedes.

"Congratulations," Remulla said.

"Now that it's confirmed that he's not on shabu, totoo na talaga na natural ang sayad ng utak niya," he added.

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 (because he's acting like an addict)," he said.

Remulla expressed dismay over Respicio's behavior. Under the law, the DILG exercises a 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 responded to Remulla, daring the DILG chief to a live, joint drug test at the hospital.

“Secretary Jonvic, magpa-drug test tayo now. Live! Exclusive! Samahan mo ko sa St. Luke’s, now! Today! Tignan natin kung nagdru-drugs si Atty. Harold Respicio,” Respicio said in a social media video.

(Secretary Jonvic, let's take a drug test now. Live! Exclusive! Join me at St. Luke's, now! Today! Let's see if Atty. Harold Respicio is on drugs.)

Following his release of the negative results, the vice mayor called out Remulla over the expense incurred for the testing.

“Jonvic, i-refund mo ko. Ang mahal ng drug test,” Respicio said.

(Jonvic, refund me. Drug tests are expensive.) —NB, GMA News