VICE mayoral candidate and incumbent Councilor Bernie Al-ag recently underwent both hair follicle and drug testing, saying the move was aimed at giving voters peace of mind. He also challenged fellow candidates to do the same.
Al-ag took the tests at Hi-Precision Diagnostics in Bajada, Davao City, on Thursday, May 8, 2025. While his urine test results were expected later that day and will be made public on May 9, the results of his hair follicle test are still pending.
“We are challenging everybody kasi apat naman kami sa vice mayor tumatakbo, meron pa namang time hanggang Sabado. We are also challenging ibang candidates, councilors “We’re challenging everyone—there are four of us running for vice mayor, and there’s still time until Saturday. We also challenge other candidates, including councilors),” he said.
He added that Atty. Margarita “Migs” Nograles, his teammate and First District congressional candidate, had also undergone a hair follicle test. She took it on October 23, 2024, at the same clinic. On that same day, Congressman Paolo "Pulong" Duterte also took a hair follicle test in Mandaluyong City, later confirming a negative result.
Al-ag stressed that if public transport drivers are required to undergo drug testing, public officials should be held to the same standard. Voters, according to him, deserve to know their leaders are drug-free.
He added that amid the campaign period, it is now an ideal time for candidates to take drug tests, to show voters their character.
Asked about opponents possibly declining his challenge, Al-ag said it’s their choice. Ultimately, he said, voters will decide.
Al-ag expressed confidence in his bid, citing his prior experience as a councilor and former vice mayor. He pledged to advocate for key initiatives if elected, including requiring drug tests for job applicants and plantilla applicants, to help ensure accountability in City Hall.
He also aims to push for the construction of a hospital exclusively for Dabawenyos and to streamline processes in local government offices. RGP