Metro Manila, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte again accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of illegal drug use on Friday, Sept. 11, reviving an allegation repeatedly denied by Malacañang and the president without presenting evidence to substantiate her claim.
Speaking to supporters along Elliptical Road in Quezon City, Duterte questioned Marcos’ refusal to undergo another drug test and directly called the president an “adik,” or drug addict.
“Huwag ninyong kalimutan na ito ay isang presidente na hanggang ngayon ay humihindi sa pagpapa-drug test. Huwag ninyong kalimutan na ang namumuno sa ating bayan ay isang adik,” Duterte said.
[Translation: Do not forget that this is a president who, until now, refuses to undergo another drug test. Do not forget my allegation that the person leading our country is a drug addict.]
Duterte also invoked previous allegations made by Marcos’ sister, Senator Imee Marcos, about the president’s alleged drug use.
“Mismong ang kanyang kapatid na ang nagsabi, malala ang kanyang kalagayan sa kanyang adiksyon. Marcos bangag. Marcos sinungaling. Marcos korap,” Duterte said.
[Translation: Even his own sister has claimed that his alleged addiction is serious. Marcos is high. Marcos is a liar. Marcos is corrupt.]
Duterte did not present evidence on Marcos currently using illegal drugs.
Malacañang repeatedly dismissed the claims.
“Matagal nang napatunayan na nag-negative ang pangulo sa isang drug test,” Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said in 2025.
[Translation: It has long been established that the president tested negative in a drug test.]
Marcos himself rejected a similar challenge in January 2025 when former Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez called on him to undergo a hair follicle drug test.
“No. Why should I do that?” Marcos told reporters at the time, arguing that holding public office had “nothing to do with the follicle test.”
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency also previously denied allegations linking Marcos to its drug watch list.
Duterte also called for Marcos’s resignation during the speech and accused his administration of corruption and abuse.
