Malacañang issued a strong reassurance to the Filipino public on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, affirming that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. remains fully committed to his presidential responsibilities despite facing political controversies, including serious allegations from his own sister.
Palace Officials Defend President's Focus
During a television interview, Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez emphasized that President Marcos continues to govern effectively despite what he described as "baseless claims" circulating in the political sphere. Governance does not stop, Gomez declared, highlighting the enormous challenges and responsibilities facing the nation's leader.
"The challenges before us are enormous. The responsibility of our President is enormous," Gomez stated in a mix of English and Filipino. "And he will not stop. He will not dignify any and all of these wild allegations that are swirling around at the moment."
The communications secretary also urged citizens to exercise caution when consuming and sharing information, noting the concerning spread of what he termed a "pandemic of lies" throughout the country.
Senator Imee Marcos' Controversial Claims
The political tension escalated when Senator Imee Marcos, the President's elder sister, made startling accusations during an INC rally at Quirino Grandstand on Monday, November 17. The senator publicly claimed that both President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos have been "drug addicts" for an extended period.
Gomez responded firmly to these allegations, reminding the public that similar claims had been thoroughly addressed during the 2022 presidential campaign. The President underwent a drug test at St. Luke's Medical Center, a highly reputable hospital, and the results clearly showed no evidence of cocaine use, the official noted.
"The result of that drug test was followed by more than 30 million Filipinos voting for Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to be the next president," Gomez emphasized. "So this is an old tune. And if I may quote a cliché, this has seemed to be a tale as old as time."
Family Dynamics and Cultural Context
Gomez expressed particular concern about the source of the allegations, noting the unusual nature of such public accusations within a Filipino family context. "It is sad that this came from your own sibling", he commented. "This is extremely unusual in Filipino culture."
In a separate media briefing, Palace Press Officer Attorney Claire Castro confirmed that while President Marcos felt disappointment about his sister's statements, these personal matters would not affect his commitment to presidential duties.
"The President is still working and keeps on working for the country, so resigning is not an option for the administration or for the President," Castro asserted.
The press officer added a powerful statement about the President's determination: "The President will bravely face whatever problems the country has, and those who are making noise are nothing but noise."
Both palace officials conveyed the same central message: despite the uncomfortable family situation and political distractions, President Marcos remains steadfast in addressing national concerns and advancing his administration's agenda for the Filipino people.
