Sara Duterte hits Bongbong's remark on Imee: Stop 'gaslighting'

Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday said President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. should stop "gaslighting" people who care for him, giving her advice following his remark against his sister, Senator Imee Marcos, who accused him of being a drug addict. 

Duterte said such behavior "fits the profile of a drug addict."

"Sa tingin ko ha, it fits the profile of a drug addict na gina-gaslight 'yung mga mahal nila sa buhay na kapag sinasabi nu'ng mahal nila sa buhay na may problema ka, sasabihin nila na wala akong problema, ikaw 'yung problema," she said in an interview. 

(In my opinion, it fits the profile of a drug addict who is gaslighting the people who love them, where when their loved ones say 'you have a problem,' they will say 'I don't have a problem, you are the problem.) 

The President said Monday he does not want to talk about family matters in public amid allegations of the First Family's drug use by his sister.

"So, I'll just say this much... For a while now, we've been very worried about my sister. When I say we, I'm talking about friends and family, and the reason that is is because the lady you see talking on TV is not my sister. That view is shared by our cousins, friends... hindi siya 'yan (that's not her)," he said. 

The President said he was hoping that Imee would get better soon, noting that their family and friends have been worried about the senator.

However, Imee asked her brother to prove that her accusations were wrong.

Drug test 

Meanwhile, Duterte also challenged the President to undergo drug testing if the public will demand for it. 

"Nakatali 'yun sa kanyang oath. When he took the oath as President, he said there that I consecrate myself to the service of the nation. Ibig sabihin nu'n, ibinibigay niya 'yung buhay niya sa bayan," she said. 

(That is tied to his oath. When he took the oath as President, he said there that 'I consecrate myself to the service of the nation.' That means he is dedicating his life to the country.) 

"So, ang ibig sabihin nu'n, ang nagmamay-aring buhay niya ngayon ay ang taumbayan. Kapag sinabi ng taumbayan na mag-drug test ka, hindi ka puwedeng humindi," she added. 

(So, that means the owner of his life now is the people. If the people say you must take a drug test, you cannot refuse.) 

The vice president added that she would be willing to join him to take the drug test. 

"Huwag siya mag-alala. Huwag siya matakot. Sasamahan ko siya. I'm sure sasamahan siya ni Senator Imee, magpapa-drug test din 'yun. At ako kahit na kaunti na lang ang naiwan sa buhok, sige, magpapa-drug test din ako. Huwag siya matakot kasi para sa bayan naman 'yun eh," Duterte said. 

(He shouldn't worry. He shouldn't be afraid. I will accompany him. I'm sure Senator Imee will also accompany him, she will also take a drug test. And I, even if I only have a little hair left, fine, I will also take a drug test. He shouldn't be afraid because it's for the nation, after all.) 

Imee earlier accused her brother of using drugs when she spoke in front of thousands of attendees on the second day of a religious group's anti-corruption protest at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta in Manila. 

She also alleged that the First Lady and some of the President's friends were using illegal drugs.

However, the Palace has said such remarks from Imee "is definitely a desperate move." 

Offenses

Duterte also accused the President of committing other offenses, such as his alleged participation in budget insertions. 

"Hindi ko na kailangan sabihin na kasali 'yung Pangulo diyan kasi kitang-kita, kanino bang pirma, sasabihin na naman niya hindi niya pirma 'yung nandoon sa GAA? Hindi ako 'yan, hindi si Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ang pumirma diyan. Ang ebidensya ng kanyang participation is 'yung pirma niya sa GAA," she said, referring to the General Appropriations Act.

(I don't need to say that the President is involved there because it's very clear, whose signature is it, will he again say that the signature on the GAA is not his? 'That's not me, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. didn't sign that.' The evidence of his participation is his signature on the GAA.) 

"Accountable siya because he allowed the insertions. So that is a culpable violation of the institution," Duterte added. 

She also pointed out that allowing the entry of the International Criminal Court to the country is also a violation to the Constitution. The vice president added that not undergoing a drug test is also a "betrayal of public trust." 

On the other hand, when asked if she is ready to take over if ever something happens to the president, she responded: "There is no question about my readiness. I presented myself to you when I was a candidate for Vice President with the understanding that I am the first in line in succession." 

GMA News Online already reached out to the Palace for comment on the Duterte's statements. — VDV, GMA Integrated News