Former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos defended President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. against allegations of illegal drug use, citing the President’s kidney donation to his father, the late Ferdinand Marcos Sr., as proof that such claims are baseless.

Abalos, a longtime Marcos ally and former mayor of Mandaluyong City, served as campaign manager for Marcos during his 2016 vice presidential run and 2022 presidential campaign.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Department of Education National Employees’ Union (DepEd-NEU) 17th National Congress at Crown Legacy Hotel in Baguio City on Thursday night, Abalos recounted the kidney transplant Marcos Jr. underwent for his father.

“The technology back then was not yet advanced. Donating a kidney could be life-threatening. He risked his life to save his father,” Abalos said. “He gave his kidney wholeheartedly. He’s asthmatic. I saw it myself."

Abalos strongly rejected claims that the President uses illegal drugs.

“What the President said is right. Family issues should be discussed privately. But as a son, he was devoted to his father. And now, as the father of our country, his dedication continues,” he said.

“Whatever he did for his father, I know he will do for our country. That is true love. There’s no other way,” Abalos added.

Earlier, Senator Imee Marcos reportedly mentioned her brother, the First Lady, and some of the President’s friends in connection with drug allegations. Malacañang has dismissed the claims as a “desperate move.”