PDP–Laban urges Marcos to take hair follicle test immediately

The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP–Laban) on Wednesday called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to undergo an immediate hair follicle drug test, citing alleged revelations from Senator Imee Marcos regarding her brother’s supposed “long-term persistent and frequent” drug use.

In a statement, the party said it was “extremely alarmed” by the claims it attributed to the senator, describing them as “grave” and coming from an “unimpeachable source.”

PDP–Laban said the allegations, if true, could affect the President’s ability to perform his duties.

“These claims, due to their gravity and their unimpeachable source, deserve to be taken seriously, as any impairment in the physical and mental processes of the Chief Executive, brought about by drug abuse, severely impacts the lives and future of the entire Filipino people. PDP–Laban issues the following respectful but forceful challenge,” it said.

The party added that the supposed claims involved not only the President but also members of his immediate family.

It also alleged that the President had encouraged others, including Senator Marcos’ children, to use prohibited substances.

“Likewise deeply concerning are allegations that Pres. Marcos has tried to persuade others, including the children of Sen. Marcos—his very own blood relatives—to indulge in the use of prohibited substances,” it said.

PDP–Laban issued a direct challenge to the President, urging him to take the test “immediately,” saying public confidence in his leadership had been shaken.

"Mr. Marcos, please take the hair follicle test, for which millions of our people have been clamoring for the longest time! And take it immediately! Not next week, not next month, right now!" it said.

The party also cited separate corruption concerns highlighted in earlier pronouncements by former House Appropriations Committee chair Zaldy Co.

“Our nation is in a crisis of confidence in your leadership engendered by the said revelation, on top of the already massive unrest and disgust brought on by the humongous corruption on infrastructure projects as illustrated by the pronouncements of former House Appropriations Committee Chairman Zaldy Co.,” the party stressed.

PDP–Laban also invoked Section 12, Article VII of the Constitution, which requires disclosure of the President’s health when it affects the performance of official duties.

“Prolonged, habitual, and steady use of prohibited drugs is not only a criminal offense, but an issue of both mental and physical health which, in the case of a sitting President, becomes an issue of public significance. According to the Constitution, the people have the right to be informed on matters of public concern,” it said.

It argued that drug use, if proven, would raise issues of both mental and physical fitness for office.

“Mr. President, now is the time to show that you walk the talk when you made a call for transparency and accountability,” PDP–Laban said.

“We, the Filipino people, have a right to know whether or not our Chief Executive is of sound mind when he makes decisions that affect tens of millions of people. We, who put you in office, deserve nothing less,” it added.