Former Davao de Oro governor Arturo Uy has publicly defended businessman Sammy Uy, categorically rejecting allegations linking him to illegal drug activities. In a statement that quickly circulated online, Uy asserted that the claims are unverified and damaging.
Uy's Strong Denial
Arturo Uy emphasized that Sammy Uy is not a drug lord, describing him as a legitimate and respected figure in Davao City. “SAMMY UY is not a drug lord,” he stated firmly. Uy based his defense on decades of personal knowledge, noting, “I knew him personally. We grew up together. I knew his family, I knew his dealings.”
Lack of Legal Verification
The allegations against Sammy Uy have emerged in political discussions, but no court has substantiated them, and no formal convictions have been issued. This absence of verified legal findings is central to the defense mounted by Uy and his supporters.
Family Association's Rebuttal
The KH (Uy) Family Association-Davao Chapter released a formal document titled “Rebuttal to Unfounded Accusation,” which categorically denied any involvement of Sammy Uy in illegal drug trade or related financial activities. The statement, bearing multiple signatures, described the allegations as “false, reckless, and unsupported by credible evidence.”
The association highlighted Sammy Uy's reputation as a law-abiding businessman with a history of legitimate and transparent dealings, his impeccable standing in the community, and the absence of any criminal record. It also cautioned against interpreting relationships with public officials as evidence of wrongdoing.
Political Motivation Alleged
The group expressed concern over a “politically charged environment” where accusations are driven by narrative-building rather than verified facts. The statement warned that labeling someone a “drug lord” without due process is harmful and irresponsible. “It is deeply concerning that serious allegations of criminal activity are being used in public discourse in a manner that suggests political motivation rather than a genuine pursuit of truth or justice,” it read.
The association called for restraint, accountability, and adherence to lawful procedures, urging authorities to properly investigate claims rather than using them for political ends. It also affirmed that the organization does not tolerate members engaged in illegal activities.
Background of Allegations
In April 2026, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV told the House Committee on Justice during impeachment hearings that Vice President Sara Duterte and several family members allegedly received millions of pesos from businessman Samuel “Sammy” Uy, whom he tagged as a drug lord.
Sammy Uy, a Davao City-based businessman, is not new to political circles. He was previously identified as a key financial backer of former president Rodrigo Duterte during the 2016 elections. According to Duterte's Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE), four Davao businessmen contributed a combined P165 million to the campaign, with Uy's companies Davao Farms and Davao Import Distributors Inc. each giving P30 million.
Beyond campaign finance, former president Duterte described Uy as part of a prominent Filipino-Chinese business family with longstanding commercial interests across multiple industries, including distribution of appliances, furniture, office equipment, motorcycles, construction materials, real estate leasing, and poultry operations. Additional ventures include a motel and hotel, a gasoline station, real estate enterprises, and majority ownership in a private hospital in Davao City.
