In a democracy, public trust is the bedrock of governance. Leaders are not just expected to make sound policies but to embody integrity, discipline, and accountability. That is why the issue of drug use among public officials—especially the President—should not be dismissed as mere political noise. It is a matter of national security, public health, and moral responsibility.

The recent challenge by former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez for President Bongbong Marcos to take a hair follicle drug test has been met with outright rejection. Marcos Jr. downplayed the need for such a test, suggesting that it has “nothing to do with holding public office.” This cavalier response raises more questions than answers, especially considering his past reputation and the well-documented history of drug use within his social circles.

Keith Richards’ Revelations and Marcos Jr.’s Troubled Past
Rock legend Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones once recalled in a 1990 interview with NME that a young Filipino—later revealed to be the son of then-President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.—spent months partying with the band, supplying them with large quantities of cocaine, alcohol, and other drugs. The story, long buried, aligns with persistent rumors about Bongbong Marcos’ history of substance abuse, a subject even his own late father addressed in private conversations.

It is well-known that Bongbong’s close associate, the late Bong Daza, battled drug addiction and sought rehabilitation in Davao City before ultimately succumbing to a cardiac arrest, a fate not uncommon for individuals with prolonged drug abuse histories. This context makes the call for a hair follicle drug test even more urgent, as it is not merely a speculative attack but a legitimate concern regarding the President’s ability to lead effectively.

Why a Hair Follicle Test?
Unlike urine or blood tests that can only detect recent drug use (typically within days), a hair follicle drug test provides a long-term record, detecting drug use up to 90 days or more. It is widely regarded as one of the most reliable methods of detecting substance abuse, which is why it is often required in sensitive professions such as law enforcement, aviation, and even competitive sports.

If ordinary citizens—especially those applying for jobs in the police force, military, or even private companies—are required to pass drug tests, why should the President of the country be exempt? If a head of state is under the influence of narcotics, the consequences could be catastrophic. Decisions affecting national security, economic policy, and foreign relations require clarity of mind, sound judgment, and emotional stability—qualities that prolonged drug abuse could compromise.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Testing

While the call for a drug test is essential, it is equally crucial that the process be conducted by highly qualified professionals with integrity and competence. A test of this magnitude must not be politicized or manipulated to serve personal agendas. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) or an independent international body should oversee the testing to ensure transparency, credibility, and fairness.
Furthermore, the results must be publicly disclosed. A leader who has nothing to hide should have no problem proving their sobriety. Marcos Jr.'s refusal to take the test only fuels speculation and deepens public distrust. If he is truly clean, what does he have to fear?

The Bigger Picture: Leadership and Accountability
The Philippines has long suffered from leaders who evade accountability, and this issue is a perfect example. The Marcos family, notorious for rewriting history, has once again tried to dismiss concerns about their past as irrelevant to the present. But character matters. A person’s history of addiction—especially if never properly addressed—does not simply disappear with time.

The nation deserves a leader who prioritizes the welfare of its people over personal indulgences. The rejection of a drug test is not just a refusal to prove innocence—it is an insult to every Filipino who believes in ethical governance.

In the end, this is not just about Marcos Jr.’s alleged drug use. It is about the standards we set for our leaders. The call for a hair follicle drug test is not an attack—it is a demand for truth. And in a truly functioning democracy, the truth should never be optional.(Tambuli Ng Bayan-Ronnie Estrada)
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