Both measures were electronically filed before noon at the House of Representatives.
Under House Resolution No. 488, Duterte urged the appropriate House committee to immediately investigate former Rep. Zaldy Co’s claims that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former Speaker Martin Romualdez allegedly pushed for the inclusion of ₱100 billion worth of projects during the 2025 Bicameral Conference Committee deliberations.
The resolution cites several grave allegations made by Co in online video recordings, including:
• that the President allegedly ordered the inclusion of the ₱100-billion line items,
• that a supposed 25-percent “kickback” was demanded in connection with the insertion,
• and that money inside suitcases was allegedly delivered to high-ranking officials.
Duterte emphasized in the resolution that 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.
The measure directs the committee to invite Co, officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), representatives from the Office of the President, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and other relevant agencies to clarify or dispute the allegations and provide evidence.
On the same day, Duterte filed House Bill No. 6105, which seeks to require all elected and appointed public officials to undergo random drug testing using hair follicle analysis as the primary screening method.
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,
• and candidates for public office.
Drug testing costs for officials would be charged to their respective agencies under the General Appropriations Act.
Duterte said in the explanatory note that expanding mandatory drug testing is essential due to the large gap between the estimated number of drug users nationwide and those reported or apprehended.
He stressed that public servants must be the first to uphold accountability and integrity.
The bill underscores that mandatory random drug testing for public officials aligns with equal protection principles and strengthens the government’s campaign to identify and address drug abuse among individuals in positions of responsibility.
The filing of both the resolution and the drug-testing bill comes in the wake of political turbulence triggered by Co’s allegations and recent public statements by Senator Imee Marcos concerning her brother, the President.
Duterte, who has long advocated for mandatory drug testing for officials, positioned the bill as a tool to reinforce public trust and ensure that individuals entrusted with public office live up to the standards of honesty and integrity mandated by the Constitution.
Both measures are expected to draw significant attention as Congress prepares for debates on the budget controversy and the broader implications of public accountability.
Rep. Paolo "Pulong" Duterte