‘Isabela vice mayor acted like an addict’

MANILA, Philippines — Following the outburst of Vice Mayor Jeryll Harold Respicio of Reina Mercedes, Isabela during a session of the Sangguniang Bayan, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the town official must undergo a drug test.

Remulla said that Respicio’s behavior during the session was unusual for an elected government official.

“I want him to undergo a drug test because I think he is a drug addict. The way he yelled at people seemed to indicate he was under the influence of illegal substance,” Remulla said.

“He behaved like an addict. Was it normal for a vice mayor to behave like that? He seemed out of his mind, very unlikely for an elected official,” Remulla added.

Respicio accepted Remulla’s challenge and asked the head of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to accompany him to the St. Luke’s Medical Center for the drug test.

“He said I looked like I am hooked on illegal drugs and must undergo a drug test. Secretary Jonvic, let’s go to St. Luke’s. Let us see if I am a drug addict…I’m very willing to take the test,” Respicio said in a video message on social media.

Apart from the drug test, Remulla said he might issue a show-cause order to Respicio after another video showing the vice mayor reportedly yelling at a police officer surfaced on social media.

Remulla said Respicio’s behavior on the video showed possible abuse toward a person of authority.

While an investigation is being conducted by the DILG, Remulla said that for the meantime, he would leave it to Isabela Gov. Rodolfo Albano III to decide what action to take against Respicio.

Negative for drug use

The vice mayor yesterday underwent what he described as a “comprehensive” drug test, saying it cost him P28,011.

Respicio said doctors examined his urine samples for traces of illegal drugs.

The vice mayor said that results of the drug test showed him negative for use of prohibited drugs such as cocaine, Ecstasy, shabu, opiates, tetrahydrocannabinol and anti-depressants.

Respicio said Remulla should refund him for the cost of the drug test, which was conducted at the St. Luke’s Hospital in Quezon City.

On Remulla’s plan to issue him a show-cause order, Respicio said he was not worried if he would be suspended for his behavior, provided the DILG chief would look into the plight of tobacco farmers.

Respicio said barangay officials have been harassing tobacco farmers.

The vice mayor figured in an argument with some village chairmen whom he accused of pocketing funds from tobacco excise tax instead of using the money for projects.

The incident went viral on social media as the session was livestreamed on Respicio’s Facebook page.