Quezon City fourth district councilor Hero Bautista put a rest to all speculations when he admitted that he is a drug user during his privilege speech in front of the city council members last August 15, Monday. Hero, who is the brother of actor and Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista and actress Harlene Bautista, tested positive for drug use in a test conducted for all the city’s officials.
In his speech, Hero announced that he is going to take a leave from office to undergo drug rehabilitation. Hero also cleared his brother from the possible rumors that the QC mayor was a drug protector by admitting to his fault and saying that Herbert, “as mayor, will never be a drug protector.”
“I am volunteering myself to embark on a journey, a journey of soul searching and self-discovery… Kumbaga sa radyo o TV, this is Hero Bautista, now signing off — a victim of a drug menace,” he said.
“On my return, to champion the advocacy of the victims of nefarious effects of prohibited and illegal drugs, pro-active measures and programs must be undertaken by government to ease the pain of the victims,” Hero promised.
In an interview with GMA News, Harlene said that she offers her prayers for the recovery of their brother.
The Quezon City Drug-Free Workplace Ordinance mandates chronic drug users and dependents to undergo a six-month treatment and rehabilitation in a government rehabilitation center. However, Hero’s career as a government official still rests upon the power of the Civil Service Commission, wherein employees who tested positive for drug use after the rehabilitation period might be suspended or ultimately dismissed from service.
(Photo source: Facebook – Hero Clarence Bautista / DU30 News)