Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her willingness to undergo a neurological psychiatric examination after criticisms about her mental stability surfaced following a controversial press conference. Speaking to the media in Pasay City on Tuesday, October 22, Duterte said, “Wala akong problema dun. Game tayo (I don’t have a problem with that. I am game).”
However, Duterte took the opportunity to challenge congressional candidates to undergo drug testing, making it an election issue. “Let us make this an election issue… neuro and drug test for me, pero lahat ng mga young guns na mga kandidato, lahat ng mga congressional candidates ay magpa-drug test (but all young guns who are candidates, all congressional candidates should undergo a drug test),” she remarked, urging voters to demand the same.
Duterte made these statements in response to lawmakers who criticized her recent comments about exhuming the remains of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and throwing them into the West Philippine Sea. She defended her remarks, claiming they were a reaction to political attacks from the Marcos family. “Ang paningin ko sa kanila unstable din sila, di ba? (I see them as unstable, too),” Duterte said, adding that she finds it unfair that only she faces calls for mental and drug testing.
The Vice President also criticized Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla for suggesting that her comments about Marcos Sr. could be legally examined. “Let’s pray for the Philippines because we have a secretary of justice who doesn’t know the law,” Duterte stated, emphasizing that her remarks didn’t violate any laws related to desecration.
Amid questions about her political stance, Duterte affirmed her independence and refusal to be influenced by monetary offers or budgets, stating, “Di ako maaareglo, di ako mabayaran ng budget, di ako mabayaran ng pera (I cannot be bribed with budget and money).” She concluded by positioning herself as a voice of opposition, noting that in the past, no one spoke out against the administration.
