- Duterte, Nograles trade barbs, answer each other’s challenge
CONGRESSMAN Paolo Duterte underwent another hair follicle test on Wednesday at High Precision Diagnostic in response to his opponent’s challenge for the First Congressional District in next year’s election.
PBA Party-List Rep. Margarita “Migs” Nograles had a similar test around 1:30 p.m. at Hi-Precision Laboratory along J.P. Laurel on Oct. 23.
Duterte told the media in an interview that the results will be released after two weeks.
The two-way challenge started when Duterte posted the result of his drug test, showing negative for substances.
His office sent a video to the media showing a woman cutting a sample of Duterte’s hair as well as a photo of his hair follicle drug test results, indicating that the Davao City congressman tested negative.
“I have already completed the test, but if necessary, I am willing to undergo another hair follicle test and repeat it as many times as needed to show that our people have nothing to worry about regarding the integrity of their leaders,” he continued.
“I challenge my opponent for the House Representative seat in the First District of Davao City, who is said to be a member of the ‘young goons’ in Congress, to also undergo a hair follicle drug test,” Duterte stated.
On the other hand, Nograles stated on Tuesday, “I appreciate that you have posted your drug test result but this is an old test from last August. For the sake of transparency and accountability to the people of Davao City, I’d like to invite you to join me for a new drug test tomorrow (October 23) at 1:30 PM at Hi Precision Laboratory in Bajada, Davao City.”
“Let’s do it at the same time and together show the people of Davao City that we are not afraid to prove ourselves. Hope to see you there,” she added.
On Tuesday, Vice President Sara Duterte challenged lawmakers who are running in the 2025 elections to subject themselves to neuropsychiatric and drug tests after she was accused of having an unstable mind during her press conference on Friday, Oct. 18.
After the hair follicle test on Wednesday afternoon, Nograles told reporters, “Usually confirmatory test. Ang ginagawa sa confirmatory kasi pag nga positive daw po si urine sa drug test i-confirm nila using the hair follicle test,” she said.
Screenshot photo from video and photo courtesy of Cong Duterte/ SMNI
