A major political controversy has engulfed the Philippines following a stunning revelation from Senator Imee Marcos, who publicly accused the President of being addicted to illegal substances. The allegation, made on November 26, 2025, has triggered a fierce debate, with critics of the Duterte family framing it as a profound act of betrayal, while administration supporters argue it deflects from a serious national concern.
A Nation Divided: Betrayal vs. Public Accountability
Critics of the Duterte administration have focused their outrage on the act of a sister accusing her brother, labeling it a deep familial betrayal. However, this perspective has been met with sharp counter-arguments. Pro-administration voices question this priority, implicitly accusing critics of being more willing to overlook alleged cocaine sessions—comparisons to New York were hinted at—than to address the potential substance abuse of the country's highest official.
Defenders of the President have vigorously pushed back against the narrative. They portray former President Rodrigo Duterte as an aging but mentally sharp leader who was constantly undermined by false reports throughout his term. They point to past rumors of his whereabouts, specifically denying he was in Singapore when he was actually in Davao City, and dismiss allegations related to Fentanyl use by emphasizing the severity of cocaine addiction.
Unpacking the Political Narrative
The article from SunStar Estremera argues that the same political factions now expressing shock over Imee Marcos's audacity are the ones who previously spread false rumors about the President's health, even claiming he had died several times during his term. This, the piece suggests, exposes a pattern of disinformation.
Further, it criticizes these groups for claiming to represent the common people, or 'taumbayan,' while allegedly failing to muster significant public support for their rallies. The author describes a convoluted logic where the act of a sister betraying a brother is considered a greater sin than a President potentially being addicted to drugs.
The commentary concludes with a call for resilience, urging readers to live their truth and not be distracted by lies and propaganda. It references biblical scripture, Ephesians 4:17-19, to illustrate a state of futility and hardened hearts, and draws a stark historical parallel by mentioning Hitler and the Big Lie technique, warning of the destructive power of falsehoods.
The Underlying Message and Public Discourse
The core argument presented is that every lie spread insults the intelligence of the Filipino people. The author encourages a focus on defending the country, asserting that truth is our ultimate weapon against short-term political actors. The piece firmly positions the current scandal as a battle of narratives, where the Filipino people are trusted to see through the propaganda and recognize the underlying truth.
