DILG says video claiming PNP is exempt from drug tests is spliced
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla answers questions from the media during a Palace press briefing in Manila City on Monday, January 13, 2025. 黑料社 / RYAN LEAGOGO
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Saturday warned that a video posted on social media, which claimed that the Philippine National Police (PNP) is exempt from drug tests, is spliced.
X (formerly Twitter) user @fierceLady08 posted the video last Jan. 9 with the caption, “Malaya at Legal na gumamit ng Droga ang PNP at AFP only in the Philippines sa Bagong Pilipinas ni Marcos Jr.”
“The video was edited to deliberately mislead viewers into believing that police and army personnel are now exempt from taking the mandatory drug and psych tests,” Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said in a statement.
“The caption is downright malicious and discredits not only the police organization but also the Office of the President,” the interior secretary added.
The PNP is an attached agency of the DILG.
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Article continues after this advertisementIn the video, PNP Civil Security Group spokesperson Lt. Col. Eudisan Gultiano is quoted as saying: “May nilabas na memorandum signed by our Chief PNP kung saan in-exempt na ang requirement ng drug test and psychological and psychiatric evaluation sa member ng PNP and AFP na active. I would like to clarify: that covers only the AFP, PNP active personnel.”
(There’s a memorandum signed by our Chief PNP where active PNP and AFP members are exempt from the requirement of the drug test and psychological and psychiatric evaluation.)
The X video has since garnered at least 52,000 views, as of this writing.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla explained that the exemption applied only for PNP personnel’s application for new or renewed licenses to own and possess firearms.
“This exemption is granted in recognition of the regular and comprehensive drug and neuropsychological testing they already undergo as part of their service, including annual screenings and mandatory testing during specialized courses and training,” Remulla said.
“Given the thorough evaluations and strict monitoring they are subjected to, requiring another round of drug testing would be redundant and counterproductive, as it undermines the PNP’s efforts to streamline the process, improve operational efficiency, and reduce unnecessary procedural burdens,” he added.
The DILG chief appealed to the public to “use social media responsibly and ensure that their content is always truthful and accurate.”
