Senator Imee Marcos ignited a major political controversy after publicly alleging during the Iglesia ni Cristo’s mass protest on Monday, November 17, that her brother, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., has been using illegal drugs.
Speaking before the crowd, the senator made the extraordinary accusation without hesitation, saying: “Batid ko na nagda-drugs siya.”
She further claimed that members of the family had long been aware of the issue, recalling moments when they supposedly cleaned up after the President’s parties.
“Malaman ko at nalaman ng pamilya, seryoso ito. Minsan, kami ng presidential guard… ang naglilinis tuwing nagpa-party po sila,” she said.
Imee also recounted urging the President in the past to marry First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, believing it would bring stability to his life—only to conclude she was mistaken.
“Kinumbinsi ko pa si Bongbong, pakasalan mo na si Liza… Ang laki ng pagkakamali ko. Mas lumala ang kaniyang pagkalulong sa droga dahil parehas pala silang mag-asawa,” she said in her speech.
The explosive remarks prompted an immediate and sharp response from Malacañang.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro dismissed the allegations as a politically motivated attack.
“Ano ang dahilan ng desperadong galawan ni Senator Imee Marcos laban sa sarili niyang kapatid at pati kay First Lady kundi makapanira lamang,” Castro said.
The accusations revive an issue that surfaced during the 2022 national campaign, when President Marcos faced similar allegations but presented a “negative” drug test result at the time.
As tensions mount within the administration and the political landscape, the senator’s claims—made on a public stage—are expected to trigger deeper scrutiny, internal fallout, and further public debate.