President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. (Photo from an RTVM video posted on Facebook)
MANILA, Philippines — Several members of the House of Representatives have pointed out that linking President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. to drug use is part of politics and an attempt to destabilize the government.
During a briefing on Tuesday at the Batasang Pambansa complex, Zambales 1st District Rep. Jefferson Khonghun said that the public needs to understand that the accusations are only meant to shame the President, which is why Senate hearings on the matter should stop.
Marcos’ name, and that of actress Maricel Soriano were floated during a Senate hearing as personalities supposedly linked to illegal drug use, according to former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agent Jonathan Morales.
Morales claimed that he prepared a pre-operation report involving Marcos and Soriano, but PDEA has denied the authenticity of this document.
“We need to face the truth that this is just part of a bigger plan to destabilize the government. We know that this is meant to tarnish the reputation or shame our President,” Khonghun said in English and Filipino.
“So I hope they stop such hearings because these do not help the economy. So for example, in hearings like these which do not go anywhere, it might be better for them to just stop this and help in the aspiration of the government to improve the lives of our people,” he added.
Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores, meanwhile, said that President Marcos’ reaction to the issue — laughing it off — was merited because the allegations cannot be serious.
Flores also reminded the public that evidence can only be admitted when it is credible and if it comes from a credible source.
The lawmaker was referring to PDEA officials’ statements questioning Morales’ credibility, as the former PDEA agent was supposedly dismissed from service.
“The President’s reaction is only correct, right? If allegations like that are thrown at him and it’s not a serious allegation, then he just laughs at it. Because seriously, for evidence to be believed and be credible itself and must also come from a credible source,” Flores said.
“The source here has already been discredited and in fact he is facing charges so, why make it a big issue pa, right?” he added.
Earlier, Soriano appeared before the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, to clear her name regarding the issue.
Soriano, however, admitted that she owns the condominium unit, which was linked by the former PDEA agent to illegal drugs.
This is not the first time that the Senate hearing on the issue was questioned. Last Wednesday, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers asked why Morales’ testimonies were needed in a hearing that should have focused on the drug bust in Alitagtag, Batangas last April 16.
Marcos has been linked by some figures, including former President Rodrigo Duterte, to illegal drugs use.
In November 2021 — even before the campaign period for the 2022 elections — Duterte linked one of the candidates for president to cocaine use which many believed was Marcos.
Marcos, however, has denied this, submitting himself to a drug test days after Duterte’s assertion.
Last January, the President also refused to give weight to the former president’s accusations, noting that it might be the fentanyl acting up.
Duterte previously admitted to using fentanyl, a strong painkiller that is said to be more potent than morphine and heroin.