Manila: Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced Tuesday that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is clean, dismissing allegations of illegal drug use made by his sister, Senator Imee Marcos, as baseless provocations by 'destabilizers' and 'obstructionists.'
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro addressed questions regarding the President's willingness to undergo a hair follicle test following his sister's accusations. Castro reiterated that the President would not be swayed by such incitements, emphasizing the allegations as unfounded attempts to tarnish his image.
In defending the first family, Castro strongly criticized the presidential sister's remarks, labeling them as mere 'noise' aimed at damaging the President's reputation. She highlighted that while Senator Marcos seemed intent on attacking the President, she failed to address Vice President Sara Duterte's involvement in a corruption issue, suggesting a possible motive to protect political allies.
Castro also pointed out the potential legal implications of the senator's remarks, describing them as 'libelous.' However, she confirmed that the first family currently has no plans to take legal action against the senator, stating, "Let's just wait and see."
Meanwhile, a civic group, Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), challenged Senator Marcos to substantiate her claims. Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia, chairperson emeritus of ABKD, criticized the senator's public statements as lacking evidence and described her speech as a spectacle rather than substantive discourse.
Goitia stressed the seriousness of accusing a sitting president of drug use, demanding solid evidence to support such claims. He criticized Senator Marcos for providing no documentation or verification, urging her to produce evidence or cease making unsubstantiated allegations.
Furthermore, Goitia condemned the senator's actions as reckless and detrimental to national discourse, asserting that credible information should guide public conversations rather than emotional outbursts. He emphasized the need for evidence-based discussions to prevent destabilization and ensure informed public discourse.
