St. Luke's Medical Center responds to accusations against the authenticity of its drug tests
The St. Luke’s Medical Center issued a statement on Thursday, Nov. 25, regarding the "public and media queries" it received about the drug test results being conducted in their institution.
The hospital wanted to clarify the series of questions about the format and authenticity of the drug test result, some alleging that there may be fraud.
“The format of the printed test result is standard and common among all healthcare facilities authorized by the Department of Health (DOH) to conduct dangerous drug tests,” it said.
“Regarding the mention of Bgy. Ususan as our location, this is because that is the only available location in DOH Integrated Drug Test Operation Management Information System when St. Luke’s Medical Center – Global City was accredited in 2010,” it added.
The hospital urged the public to avoid spreading false information on social media platforms.
“We strongly encourage the public to refrain from posting misleading and inaccurate information on social media,” it said. “St. Luke’s calls on everyone to verify the information they receive from others and the information they plan to post online.”
This comes after St. Luke's hospital received backlash alleging that presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s drug test for cocaine is fake.
On Nov. 23, Marcos’ camp submitted the negative test result to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Philippine National Police, and the National Bureau of Investigation.
Marcos took the test at the Taguig Branch of St. Luke's hospital last Nov. 22 after President Rodrigo Duterte claimed that a wealthy presidentiable uses the said illegal substance.
"I really don’t feel that I am the one being alluded to. In spite of that, I believe it is my inherent duty as an aspiring public official to assure my fellow Filipinos that I am against illegal drugs," Marcos said in a statement sent to media.