Months before facing off in the polls, Davao City First District congressional candidates Reps. Paolo “Pulong” Z. Duterte and Margarita “Migz” Nograles are already giving their constituents a sneak preview of what to expect during the campaign period.

The two scions of Davao’s most prominent political families have challenged each for a follicle drug test to prove they are not using illegal substances.

Duterte, son of former President Rodrigo Duterte, was first to air the drug test challenge but Nograles upped the ante by daring the incumbent first district congressman to do it on Thursday (October 23).

“I appreciate that you have posted your drug test result but this is an old test done 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 230 at 1:30 PM at High Precision Laboratory in Bajada, Davao City,” said Nograles, daughter of the late House Speaker Prospero Nograles.

On Wednesday, Duterte sent a late afternoon press release to house reporters challenging Nograles to have a hair follicle test that he previously took.

Duterte enclosed a copy of the test he underwent at Omega Laboratories on August 14, indicating “negative” results to drug use.

“Ako, natapos ko na, pero kung kinakailangan pa, handa akong magpa-hair follicle test muli, at ulit-ulitin pa ito upang ipakita na walang dapat ipag-alala ang ating mga kababayan tungkol sa integridad ng kanilang mga lider,” he said.

Nograles quickly retorted: “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.”

Nograles is currently serving as PBA Partylist representative to the Lower House while Duterte is seeking a third and final term as first district congressman this coming election.

Former Civil Service Commission Chairman Karlo Nograles is pursuing the mayoralty which the late speaker failed to secure when he lost to ex-President Duterte in 1992.

Karlo faces the elder Duterte in the 2025 Davao City mayoralty race.