Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the first family were “deeply dismayed” and “personally hurt” by Sen. Imee Marcos’ public accusations that the president was using illegal drugs — allegations the Palace dismissed as outright falsehood.
In an interview on ‘The Newsmaker,’ Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the president did not expect his own sister to “fabricate stories” about him and even drag First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos into what the Palace described was a politically driven narrative.
“Nagulat ang pangulo na umabot pa sa ganito kalaking pagsisinungaling ang kanyang kapatid,” she said.
[Translation: The president was shocked that his sister resorted to such big lies.]
“The first family is dismayed. They never imagined Senator Imee would be consumed by politics to this extent,” Castro said.
The senator shocked the public during a Nov. 17 Iglesia ni Cristo rally when she said her brother had long used illegal drugs and continued through his governorship and into the presidency. She said both the president and first lady used drugs openly in Malacañang.
“Nakakahiya, Senator Imee. Nakakahiya,” Castro said.
[Translation: What a shame Senator Imee. Truly shameful.]
She said the statements were “baseless stories meant to destroy the president and the first family.”
Imee protecting Dutertes, not the country
Castro said the timing and content of the senator’s speech showed her loyalty to former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte.
“She is shielding people with corruption issues while attacking her own brother,” she added.
Castro said Sen. Marcos herself had long resisted efforts to hold the Duterte administration accountable, including human rights cases and the confidential funds controversy.
“Senator Imee wants the president out of the way,” she said. “It follows the Duterte playbook.”
Malacañang expressed particular dismay that the first lady was pulled into the narrative, which Castro described as “malicious and cruel.”
“Hindi nila inakalang pati si First Lady Liza ay babanatan,” [Translation: They never imagined that even First Lady Liza would be attacked.]
She added that the family was shocked at “how far Senator Imee was willing to go.”
The accusations, Castro said, were especially painful because of their impact on the Marcos children and the extended family.
Despite the intensity of the allegations, Castro said the president is not closing the door to his sister.
“Walang anumang inilalabas na galit si Pangulong Marcos,” she said
[Translation: President Marcos is not expressing any anger.]
“But this time, iba ang naramdaman niya” she added.
[Translation: But this time, he felt something different – he was hurt.]
She said reconciliation is possible, but the first move must come from Sen. Marcos.
Castro said the first family has not discussed filing a case against Sen. Marcos, but legal experts believed the statements could be actionable.
“For now, there is no instruction,” she said.
