Quezon City mayor clarifies brod’s drug test

MANILA, Philippines – Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista clarified yesterday that he “neither confirmed nor denied” reports that his brother tested positive for drug use.

He was earlier reported to have admitted during yesterday’s executive committee meeting that his brother, Hero Bautista, was the councilor earlier reported to have tested positive for drug use.

In front of the city government’s department heads, he reportedly said he is ready to have Hero enter a drug rehabilitation center.

Three people who attended the meeting confirmed that Bautista made the admission.

Bautista told The STAR that he has met with the councilor  and talked about the drug test result.

“He or she felt bad about it,” he said.

On Aug. 1, all of the city’s councilors and Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte underwent drug tests as part of the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

Belmonte, asked about Bautista’s alleged admission and his clarificatory statement, said  she received similar reports but added it was up to mayor  to disclose the councilor’s identity.

On Aug. 6, Belmonte, who also heads the Quezon City Anti-Drug Abuse Advisory Council, said the councilor has questioned the result of the drug test.

Under a city ordinance, Bautista is supposed to decide on the action that will be taken against the councilor. – Robertzon Ramirez, Romina Cabrera, Janvic Mateo