Metro Manila, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte said she will uphold her constitutional mandate to assume the presidency should President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. resign, as she insists the chief executive should undergo a new drug test to prove his capacity to lead the country.

“There is no question about my readiness. I presented myself to you when I was a candidate for vice president with the understanding that I am the first in line of succession,” Duterte said in a chance interview on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

Some groups, particularly Duterte supporters, have been calling for the resignation of Marcos amid the flood control corruption scandal.

But for progressive alliance Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, the vice president should also resign. It is calling to establish a transition council if both leaders were to step down.

When asked for comment, she said: “I said in my oath, ‘to preserve and defend the constitution.’ So iyan iyong trabaho ko [that’s my duty.] Any extra-constitutional movements or actions [are] beyond my sphere.”

Sen. Imee Marcos, the president’s sister and a Duterte ally, accused her brother of illegal drug use during the religious sect Iglesia ni Cristo’s anti-corruption rally on Nov. 17. The Duterte camp has also made the same accusation since the fallout of the Uniteam.

Malacañang denied the allegation, saying President Marcos already presented a negative drug test in 2021.

“Hindi siya tanong na dated 2021 [It’s not a question dated 2021]. The question on the capacity and the decision making or capacity of the President is dated Nov. 25, 2025. Therefore, the drug test must be taken Nov. 25, 2025,” Duterte said.

In 2024, the House of Representatives impeached Duterte due to alleged misuse of public funds, but the Supreme Court declared the articles of impeachment unconstitutional for violating the one-year bar rule. The House has filed a motion for reconsideration with the SC.

The Senate, which had already been formed as the impeachment court, has archived the case.