Imee accuses Bongbong Marcos of using drugs; a desperate move, says Palace

Senator Imee Marcos on Monday accused her brother, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr., of using drugs, an allegation that Malacañang called "desperate."

Speaking at the rally of the Iglesia Ni Cristo at the Quirino Grandstand, the senator also alleged that the First Lady and some of the President's friends were using illegal drugs.

"Batid ko na na nagda-drugs siya. Nalaman ko at ng pamilya, nalaman ng pamilya, seryoso ito," Imee said.

(I know he is using illegal drugs. I found out, and our family did too. This is serious.)

"'Nung 2016 kasabay ng kampanya ni dating Pangulong Duterte laban sa droga, lumabas ang pangalan ni Bongbong sa listahan. Nakasama siya sa listahan ng celebrities," she added.

"Masinsinsinang kong kinausap si Pangulong Rody, halos manikluhod ako. Sinabi kong ayon sa kapulisan dapat unahin usigin ang mga pusher at saka na lamang sagipin ang mga user. Naligtas si Bongbong," Marcos said.

(I talked to and begged Duterte. I told him that, according to the police, the authorities should prioritize pursuing the pushers and then focus on rehabilitating the users. Bongbong was spared.)

Imee further alleged that Marcos’ drug addiction worsened since First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos was also allegedly using drugs. 

Imee also accused her brother’s children, including Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos, of also using illegal drugs. 

She claimed that the first family is also asking her children and other relatives to use illegal drugs.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro called Imee's allegations a "desperate move." 

"This is definitely a desperate move. Ang pinaguusapan sa peace rally ay patungkol sa di umanong korapsyon. Ano ang dahilan ni Senator Imee na ang sariing kapatid ay siraan niya?" Castro said. 

GMA News Online is trying to reach our to the First Lady and to Sandro Marcos.

Drug test

In a social media post,  Davao City 1st district Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte said Filipinos need "clarity" and not "excuses" following Imee's pronouncements.

"Kung walang dapat katakutan, dapat walang tumatanggi," Duterte said, adding that he has been seeking a hair follicle drug test among government officials.

(If there is nothing to fear, no one should refuse.) 

"Kaya sa harap ng mga pahayag ng mismong kapatid niya, lalo pang lumalakas ang aming panawagan: Magpa-drug test ang lahat ng opisyal ng gobyerno. Walang exempted. Walang special treatment," he added.

(In light of the statements made by his own sibling, our call grows even stronger: All government officials must undergo a drug test. No one is exempt. No special treatment.)

Duterte further said Marcos should prove that he is not taking any illegal drugs and not to deceive Filipinos.

In a statement, the United People's Initiative (UPI) said Malacañang failed to provide credible explanations on the allegations made against the President.

“The Palace has failed to offer a credible explanation. Instead, trust in the presidency continues to collapse, dragging national stability and investor confidence with it,” UPI said.

“Public office is a public trust. When that trust is broken, the leader must go… President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. must resign immediately,” it added. –NB/RF, GMA Integrated News