THE Mindanao Transport Confederation of the Philippines (MTCP), which has over a million members across the island, has urged President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to undergo a hair follicle test as a gesture of "transparency and accountability."
MTCP founder and president Rey S. Vilos read the letter during a press briefing at Acacia Hotel on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. The letter is set to be sent to the Office of the President via the post office on the same day.
“We respectfully request that you voluntarily undergo a hair follicle test to affirm that you are free from illicit substances. A hair follicle test is an accurate and reliable method of determining long-term drug use and can serve as a definitive means of assuring the public of your commitment to the highest standards of ethical leadership,” he said.
Vilos added that the request was made out of their desire to strengthen trust between the public and their elected officials. He stressed that transparency in public service is crucial to fostering trust between the government and its citizens, particularly in the transport sector, where public resources and safety are at stake.
He explained that when an elected president ensures transparency, it also allows the public to hold officials accountable. Advocating for transparency leads to better decision-making, and Marcos undergoing the hair follicle test would set an example of his dedication to serving the people.
The group said that while the request may be personal to the president, they trust that he will recognize that, in times of heightened scrutiny, undergoing the test will bolster his credibility as a leader.
MTCP emphasized that their group is non-partisan. However, due to rumors about the president being “bangag,” “adik,” and “wala sa pag-iisip” during his presidency, they want him to undergo a hair follicle test so that the “truth may prevail.”
The group stressed that the Office of the President is one of the most important public offices in the Philippines and that the President is responsible for overseeing the execution and enforcement of laws for all Filipinos.
They cited the 1987 Constitution, Article XI, Section 1, which stipulates the principle "public office is a public trust," and Section 4(b) of Republic Act No. 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which mandates that all public officials and employees must perform their duties with excellence, professionalism, intelligence, and skill.
Paulo S. Cempron, spokesperson for MTCP, said that some of their members are concerned about the state of the national government, which has led to arguments among fellow motorcycle drivers. These minor incidents often result in passengers refusing to ride with motorcycle drivers, thus reducing their income.
“Para bang mainit ang kanilang ulo kasi ano ba itong government na ito ng Pilipinas (It’s as if they’re heads are all hot because they’re wondering what is happening with the government of the Philippines),” he said.
Regarding their request for the President to undergo the hair follicle test, Cempron stated that they are not expecting a reply from the Office of the President but still they are hoping their request will be acted upon within 15 days. He added that they have not yet determined their next steps.
MTCP is one of the largest transport groups in Mindanao, with a total of 1,148,444 members. The group has members in the Davao Region, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm), Northern Mindanao, South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, General Santos City (Soccsksargen), and the Caraga Region, among others. RGP