Malacañang on Tuesday downplayed the wave of drug-use and corruption accusations thrown at President Bongbong Marcos, asserting the claims—whether from Senator Imee Marcos or former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co—are baseless and already discredited.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President feels no need to personally respond.
When asked if Marcos should address the allegations, she replied, “Ano bang dapat sagutin?”
On corruption claims, Castro said Co must first return to the Philippines and present proof, stressing, “Pauwiin muna natin si Zaldy Co. Kung may dokumento siya, ilabas niya.”
She added that drug allegations were long settled through a negative St. Luke’s drug test and the exposure of AI-generated smear videos: “Matagal nang issue ‘yan. Lahat nasagot na.”
Castro rejected the notion that Marcos’ credibility is at risk, saying, “Hindi ito makakasira sa Pangulo. Ang magdududa lang ay iyong hindi gagamit ng isipan.”
She argued that public backlash is hitting the accusers instead: “Ang public outrage, nandoon sa kasinungalingan nila Zaldy Co at Senator Ime.”
She also accused Senator Marcos of shielding Vice President Sara Duterte while mounting a destabilization effort against her brother: “Kitang-kita kung sino ang pinuproteksiyunan niya… Pero pagdating sa Pangulo, sobrang ingay, desperate action to protect her allies.”