113 barangay, SK candidates undergo drug testing

MANILA, Philippines — At least 113 candidates for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections in Quezon City heeded the drug test challenge by police on Tuesday.

The candidates voluntarily submitted themselves to drug testing at the Cubao police station, Quezon City Police District director Chief Superintendent Joselito Esquivel said.

The poll bets came from Barangays Bagong Lipunan, E. Rodriguez, Horse Shoe, Kaunlaran, San Martin de Porres, San Roque, Silangan, Socorro and Valencia.

Esquivel urged the other candidates to undergo drug testing.

“Whether incumbent barangay officials or aspiring for public office, you should accept the drug test challenge if you are not hiding anything,” he said. 

Noemi Agcaoili, a barangay councilor who was included in the narco list released by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), also submitted herself to a drug test. 

The city council has passed a resolution urging candidates in the barangay and SK elections to undergo drug testing.

The council, headed by Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, said those who want to be barangay officials must be drug-free.