DUTERTE STILL WON'T SUBMIT DRUG TEST RESULT

DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has remained adamant against
submitting his drug test certification before the Commission on
Elections despite a warning that he could not assume office if he
fails to do so by July 1.

Wendel Avisado, city hall administrator, confirmed that Duterte has
still not submitted his drug test result before the Comelec, saying
the poll body does not have jurisdiction over local government officials.

"Ang trabaho lang naman nila is to conduct the elections. Since when
did the Comelec become repository of the result of the drug tests?"
asked Avisado.

He said if really needed, they would submit Duterte's drug test
certification before the Department of Interior and Local Government
(DILG) and other government agencies but never to the Comelec.

"Wala pa naman kaming natatanggap na directive from the DILG eh. But
if ever requested by the DILG we will readily comply," Avisado said.

Asked if they foresee any problem on the mayor's continued "defiance"
on the Comelec order, Avisado said they do not see any problem on
Duterte's assumption to office come July 1 and that he (Duterte) had
not violated any law.

"It's just that there are so many actors in the national government
who would like to impose on the local government. Susunod naman tayo
eh basta klaro lang," Avisado said.