Anti-corruption activist Willy Ramasola has publicly challenged Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado to undergo a hair follicle drug test, escalating a challenge that mirrors similar calls previously made to national officials.
In a Facebook post Thursday that quickly gained attention on social media, Ramasola directly addressed the governor: “I challenge Bohol Gov. Erico Aris Aumentado to a hair follicle drug test. You can choose, Gov., which hair sample to use for the drug test.”
Ramasola said he is willing to shoulder all expenses for the examination at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Metro Manila, a facility he specified for credibility purposes.
“Gov., let’s have the hair follicle drug test at St. Luke’s so it will be credible. Let’s schedule it because many are already doubting. Please. Thanks,” Ramasola wrote in a mix of English and Cebuano.
Ramasola explained his motivation stems from meetings with concerned individuals who are alarmed of the drug problem in Bohol.
“I met yesterday with people who are willing to bet that Gov. Aris Aumentado would be 100% positive on a hair follicle drug test,” he said.
Ramasola cited public safety dimension of his challenge.
“No malice here. I’m just concerned about our province. Thank you,” he added.
In subsequent posts, Ramasola reiterated his offer: “Gov. Aris Aumentado, please schedule your drug test at St. Luke’s. I will pay for it. Charge it to me. Let me know once you’ve scheduled it so I can arrange the payment.”
Governor’s Response
According to the DyTR Bohol news report, Gov. Aumentado has indicated his willingness to undergo the hair follicle drug test requested by Ramasola.
However, the governor clarified that there are no mandatory drug testing requirements for his position, unlike driver’s licenses which require such tests.
While Gov. Aumentado reportedly agreed in principle to Ramasola’s other demands, he has not yet publicly commented on the specific timing or arrangements for the test.
The governor’s office said he may address the issue in a press conference regarding the complaints.
The challenge to Gov. Aumentado follows a similar pattern seen at the national level earlier this year.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. faced repeated calls from critics and opposition figures to undergo hair follicle drug testing amid unsubstantiated allegations about drug use.
Marcos declined to take the test, with his administration dismissing the calls as politically motivated and lacking any credible basis.
The president’s refusal became a contentious issue, with supporters arguing he had no obligation to respond to baseless accusations, while critics maintained the test would put rumors to rest.
Hair follicle testing has become a flashpoint in Philippine politics, with proponents arguing it provides a more comprehensive drug use history than traditional urine tests.
The method can detect substance use over approximately 90 days, compared to the few days detectable through urinalysis.
As of Friday evening, no formal schedule for any drug test had been announced by either party.