Political Earthquake: Senator Accuses President of Drug Use
The Philippines, particularly the Cebuano community, has been shaken by the heaviest allegations ever made against the sitting President of the Republic: the issue of illegal drugs. Following Senator Imee Marcos's declaration during an Iglesia Ni Cristo rally on Monday, November 17, 2025, that her brother President "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. uses drugs, the statement has drawn widespread criticism.
The senator's statement corroborated former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's previous claim that Bongbong was "bangag" (drugged), which quickly spread across social media platforms. However, the accusations did not stop with the President alone.
Family-Wide Allegations and Historical Context
Senator Imee further added that among the drug users is First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos. Beyond this, she also accused the President's children, including Ilocos Norte First District Representative Sandro Marcos, of using illegal drugs and even claimed they offered these substances to their own children and other relatives.
"I even convinced Bongbong to marry Liza. I thought that if he got married, he would settle down and find direction. How wrong I was; his drug addiction worsened because they're both users," excerpted from the senator's statement. The senator, as the elder sibling, admitted they had long known about the President's vice but he never heeded her advice to stop.
She expressed fear when Marcos's name appeared on the drug list back in 2016, during which she spoke with and appealed to former President Duterte to spare her brother from any action.
Official Responses and Truth-Seeking Measures
In response, the Palace stated through Press Officer Claire Castro that Senator Marcos's actions constituted a "desperate move." Sandro Marcos, for his part, firmly denied the "baseless accusations" and stated that what his aunt did was uncharacteristic of a true sibling.
The senator countered that Sandro's statement was an insinuation. She stated her readiness to undergo a DNA test provided they would also submit to a hair follicle drug test.
Senator Imee's challenge for a drug test serves as a step to uncover the truth because the public needs clarity amid the swirling doubts. The issue surrounding the Marcos family has affected the credibility of the nation's highest office. Malacañang must act immediately. The truth alone can cleanse the President's name, if it is indeed clean. If not, the hair follicle drug test will serve as the measure of truth.
