Imee’s claim of brother’s cocaine use called ‘desperate move’ says Castro

After Senator Imee Marcos accused her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., of using cocaine, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro called the claim “desperate” and “baseless.”

In her 8:00 p.m. vlog on Monday, Castro said the accusation only aims to ruin and discredit the President and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

She cited news reports from 2021 showing that Marcos underwent a drug test at St. Luke’s Medical Center during the campaign period, which yielded a negative result.

Castro criticized the presidential sister for not speaking up if the President, a candidate at the time, was indeed consuming illegal drugs.

“If this test that St. Luke's confirmed that the President was negative on the drug testing, why didn't she object before?” Castro said.

“We know what her motive is, because the investigation into corruption could escalate and her allies in the Senate could be hit,” she added.

The Palace official also questioned her attendance during the Maisug rally in January 2024, when former President Duterte criticized Marcos, attacking his reputation and integrity.

“She laughed. She didn't object. She felt no resentment for his brother, whose integrity and character were being trampled upon, face to face,” Castro said.

“What kind of a sister is Senator Imee? What kind of Filipino is Senator Imee?” she added.

Castro directly asked Senator Marcos why she could not be proud that her brother is uncovering corruption anomalies in government, particularly regarding flood control projects.

“The President wants to clean up the mess of the past. Why is she so concerned now about the alleged use of drugs, while former President Duterte admitted to using marijuana and fentanyl, and she didn't call it out? Even the theft by former President Duterte, she had no objection,” she stressed.

“Now the President himself wants to clean up this country. Why is Senator Imee Marcos becoming an obstacle? What do you want to prove by saying things like that? This has been an issue for a long time, and that accusation has been proven to be false,” she added.

Castro also condemned the circulation of a fake video claiming the President was caught on camera using illegal drugs, dubbed the “polvoron” video.

“You even had an AI-generated video made, but when it didn't work and was proven fake, you just continued making accusations to damage the President. But it’s all fake. It’s all fake news,” she said.

Imee urged to be a patriot

Instead of attacking her brother, Imee was urged to be patriotic and support efforts to uncover corruption for a better Philippines.

“I hope you will be patriotic. Help in the investigation that your own brother is doing. Condemn all the corrupt. Don't take sides, don't hide it. Let's let President Marcos Jr. work to stop all this corruption,” Castro said.

“Don't destroy your brother. This is not the issue now. This has been an issue for a long time, but since you don't see any corruption issue with the President, where are you taking the issue? Shame on you, Senator Imee. Shame on you,” Castro criticized.