Duterte willing to take psych test amid 'mentally unstable' criticisms, but only if 2025 candidates will take drug test
Vice President Sara Duterte said she's willing to undergo a neuropsychological test amid criticisms calling her "mentally unstable."
“Wala akong problema doon. Game tayo," Duterte told the media in an ambush interview, adding she's willing to have the procedure televised.
But the vice president said she'd only do so if congressional candidates at the 2025 midterm elections would undergo drug tests.
“As a voter, I demand [na] magpa-drug test sila," Duterte said. "Kayong lahat mga kababayan, you demand na mag-drug test ang mga congressional candidate dahil kung unstable ako, sa paningin ko, unstable rin sila."
She called on the Philippine Medical Association to set the guidelines for the tests, noting the tests must be conducted by an independent third party through hair follicle testing.
The criticisms began after Duterte held a press conference last Oct. 18, during which she did not mince words to criticize President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
She said Marcos isn't capable of leading the Philippines, and that Filipinos are supposedly "on this road to hell."
She also reprimanded Marcos for feeling "dismayed" when she denied their friendship in an earlier statement.
Duterte also shared that she warned Sen. Imee Marcos, the presidential sister, that she would personally dig up former president and dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s body and throw it into the West Philippine Sea if the attacks against her didn't stop.
The VP also said she imagined cutting Marcos's head off for supposedly refusing to give his watch to a Philippine Military Academy cadet during a graduation ceremony. She then called their relationship "toxic."
Marcos didn't comment on Duterte's pronouncements.
Following Duterte's verbal attacks against the president, several lawmakers urged her to undergo psychological evaluation. They include La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega, Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop, and Sen. Koko Pimentel.
Justice Sec. Boying Remulla also called Duterte's statements "disturbing" and "unbecoming" of a vice president.
On Oct. 22, Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos, the presidential son, called out Duterte for her attacks against his father and grandfather.
Sandro pointed out Duterte's "bizarre temper tantrum" and her "going ballistic" with her words.
He said that it should be an "opportune time to remind ourselves that we mustn't take our mental health for granted," even as he wished Duterte well.
