budget insertions

• Pulong files mandatory testing bill for public officials, seeks probe into budget insertions

FIRST District Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte filed House Bill No. 6105 on Tuesday, Nov. 19, requiring all elected and appointed public officials to undergo hair follicle analysis to ensure they are cleared of any illegal substance.

The bill proposes amendments to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA 9165) to include hair follicle testing, which the explanatory note describes as more effective in detecting unreported and long-term drug use. 

The measure would cover:

• national and local elected officials,
• appointed officials in government agencies and GOCCs,
• candidates for public office. 

Drug testing costs for officials would be charged to their respective agencies under the General Appropriations Act. 

Duterte said that public servants must be the first to uphold accountability and integrity. 

On the same day, he also filed House Resolution No. 488, urging an immediate probe into former Ako Bikol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co’s claims that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former Speaker Martin Romualdez inserted ₱100 billion worth of projects during the 2025 Bicameral Conference Committee deliberations. 

The resolution cited several grave allegations made by Co in online video recordings, like how the President allegedly ordered the inclusion of the ₱100-billion line items; how a supposed 25-percent “kickback” was demanded in connection with the insertion, and how the money inside suitcases was allegedly delivered to high-ranking officials. 

Duterte said the “scale and detail” of the allegations necessitate a thorough legislative inquiry, adding that the claims raise concerns about transparency, public trust, and possible undue influence in the budget process.