MANILA, Philippines — April 22, 2026. The Supreme Court has directed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Executive Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile Recto to file their comments on a petition seeking to compel the Chief Executive to undergo a hair follicle drug test.

The petition was filed by lawyer Dino de Leon, who argued that a hair follicle test would provide a more accurate and long-term assessment of drug use compared to standard urine tests. De Leon claimed that the President’s refusal to submit to such testing raises questions about transparency and accountability.

In a resolution made public this week, the Supreme Court required Marcos Jr. and Recto to respond within ten days. The directive is part of the Court’s preliminary consideration of whether the petition has sufficient legal basis to proceed.

De Leon stated that “The Filipino people deserve clarity and assurance that their highest leader is free from illegal drugs,” emphasizing that the issue is one of public trust.

The petition also cited the administration’s continued emphasis on anti-drug campaigns, arguing that the President should lead by example.

The Office of the President has yet to issue a formal statement on the matter, though officials previously dismissed similar calls as politically motivated.

The Supreme Court’s order does not yet indicate whether it will ultimately require Marcos Jr. to undergo the test, but it signals that the petition will be given due consideration.

This development adds another layer to ongoing debates about accountability and transparency in government, particularly in relation to the country’s anti-drug policies.