MANILA — The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) in Manila swiftly and firmly denied accusations that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is a long-term drug user, labeling the claims as baseless and politically motivated. The allegations, publicly voiced by Senator Imee Marcos, the President’s sister, emerge as the administration intensifies investigations into alleged widespread corruption within lucrative flood-control projects.
On November 18, 2025, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro spoke publicly, suggesting that the senator’s remarks appeared timed to shift public attention away from escalating probes into kickbacks connected to subpar or incomplete infrastructure work. These inquiries potentially implicate allies of Senator Marcos within the upper chamber of Congress.
Political Backlash and Calls for Cooperation
The public spat highlights a broader political fracturing, playing out against a backdrop of increasing scrutiny over government expenditures and the effectiveness of public works. The country frequently faces deadly typhoons, making the integrity of flood-mitigation infrastructure an issue of profound public safety and trust.
Undersecretary Castro urged all lawmakers to actively support the President’s campaign to eliminate malpractice and corruption, rather than “shield vested interests.” She specifically called upon Senator Marcos to cooperate fully with independent fact-finding bodies, Senate committees, and relevant government agencies leading the ongoing investigations.
The probes are centered on allegations that powerful officials illegally benefited from substantial kickbacks tied to multi-million-peso contracts meant for flood protection. Whistleblowers and findings suggest that some of these contracts delivered substandard, incomplete, or entirely non-existent projects, fueling public anger and demanding greater transparency.
Unsubstantiated Claims Against the First Family
During a mass rally in Manila, Senator Marcos claimed, without presenting any verifiable evidence, that her brother’s purported drug use dated back to the era of their late father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. She further asserted that this alleged usage has significantly impaired the President’s health and judgment. The senator also leveled similar accusations against the First Lady and the presidential couple’s children.
While the President’s family has yet to issue a direct statement, Malacañang categorically dismissed the claims.
This institutional defense mirrors previous instances where the President’s health and activities have been scrutinized. During his 2021 presidential bid, his campaign released documents showing negative test results for common illicit substances, including cocaine and methamphetamine, issued by both a private hospital and the national police laboratory.
Broader Political Context
The current dispute gains further complexity given the ongoing tensions between President Marcos Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte. Mr. Duterte, a vocal opponent, has previously made similar allegations about the current President. Conversely, Mr. Duterte has acknowledged past medical use of fentanyl, while both he and his daughter, Vice-President Sara Duterte, concurrently face separate controversies regarding the utilization of confidential government funds.
The Marcos administration reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law, aggressively combating corruption, and guaranteeing the integrity of essential public works. PCO emphasized that politically charged assertions, when made without substantiation, should not distract the executive branch from prioritizing effective and clean governance and safeguarding public resources—goals crucial for the nation’s stability and development. The government remains focused on constructive engagement, ensuring that institutional integrity prevails over political theatrics.