Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday advised Vice Mayor Jeryll Harold Respicio of Reina Mercedes, Isabela, to undergo a mandatory drug test following an explosive outburst directed at local officials and a police officer during a livestreamed municipal council session on Monday.
“I advise him to take a drug test because his behavior resembles that of an addict,” Remulla told reporters in an ambush interview, sharply criticizing the local official’s conduct.
The altercation erupted during a town council session broadcast live on Facebook, where Respicio confronted three barangay captains regarding local infrastructure projects financed by the municipality’s share of tobacco excise tax revenues.
Among those targeted was Barangay Captain Rafael Medrano, whom Respicio accused of harassing tobacco farmers.Tensions escalated when Medrano labeled the vice mayor rude and demanded concrete proof, prompting Respicio to launch a tirade against the barangay leaders. Remulla noted that Respicio also verbally berated a police officer stationed at the venue.
“Is it normal for a vice mayor to act like that? It seems he is not in his right mind,” Remulla remarked, stressing that Respicio failed to uphold the dignity expected of an elected public servant.
Addressing whether the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will issue a formal show-cause order, Remulla indicated that legal options remain under evaluation but urged immediate substance testing.
“We’re studying it, but I want him to undergo a drug test first,” Remulla stated. “I really think he is an addict. It’s only now that I’ve seen a vice mayor yell like that. He acted as if he sniffed illegal drugs.”
The DILG chief confirmed that the provincial government of Isabela has launched an administrative inquiry into the incident. Potential administrative and criminal charges against Respicio could include direct assault or disrespect toward a person in authority.
“I am leaving it to Governor Rodolfo Albano to handle the investigation. Not me for now,” Remulla said.
Responding to Respicio’s public counter-charge that the DILG should focus on investigating ghost infrastructure projects rather than targeting him, Remulla dismissed the remark.
“Is he my focus? He is not my focus,” Remulla countered. “He should focus on his health and stop using drugs.”