DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla has made good on a public challenge, reimbursing Reina Mercedes, Isabela Vice Mayor Atty. Jeryll Harold Respicio for a hospital drug test through GCash after a fiery exchange between the two officials.
The online confrontation began when Remulla questioned Respicio’s sobriety and called for a drug test following an outburst during a Sangguniang Bayan session.
During the meeting, Respicio was caught on video shouting at a barangay captain whom he accused of misappropriating funds.
In response, Respicio voluntarily underwent a drug test at St. Luke’s Medical Center—which returned a negative result—and subsequently challenged Remulla to reimburse the ₱28,011 medical expense.
Accepting the challenge, Remulla coordinated through the DILG to obtain the vice mayor’s contact details, prompting Respicio to post his GCash QR code.
Screenshots of the digital transaction were later shared online, confirming payment.
The dispute originally stemmed from a heated debate over the utilization of Reina Mercedes’ roughly ₱86 million annual tobacco excise tax allocation, which is intended to support local farmers.
Respicio claimed he raised his voice after several barangay officials failed to provide documentation for completed projects, fueling suspicions of potential “ghost projects” and prompting calls for direct cash distributions to farmers.
While the drug test cleared the vice mayor of substance use, DILG officials noted that authorities are still reviewing potential violations regarding Respicio’s conduct toward police officers present during the session.
Remulla indicated that while a show-cause order remained under consideration, his immediate priority was ensuring accountability, ultimately advising the vice mayor to focus on his health.