Metro Manila, Philippines – The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Saturday refuted claims that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received a sachet of illegal drugs during a public event, urging people to fight against misinformation.
In a video released on Sept. 28, the PCO said Marcos was given a lapel pin and not drugs.
The statement stemmed from viral videos showing that the President was supposedly handed an illegal substance from a civilian approaching him for a selfie.
Malacañang urged the public to share videos responsibly.
“Kahit malinaw ang footage, kapag tinanggal ang konteksto madali itong magamit upang lumikha ng maling kuwento,” the PCO said.
[Translation: Even if the footage is clear, it may create wrong narratives when proper contexts are removed]
In July, a video supposedly showing Marcos snorting a white-powdery substance had also gone viral. Government officials had debunked the video, with Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos ordering the creation of a special team to probe the matter.
Marcos used to “benefit the most” from disinformation, according to a 2021 report of independent news organization, Vera Files.
