Duterte claims a presidential aspirant does cocaine

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday claimed a presidential aspirant in the 2022 elections is doing illegal drugs, particularly cocaine.

While he did not give the person’s name, Duterte hinted that the aspirant comes from a well-known and rich clan, whose family name means “strong” and is known for its patriarch.

“There’s even a presidential candidate na nag-cocaine (using cocaine). May kandidato tayo na nagko-cocaine ‘yan (A candidate is doing cocaine). ‘Yang mga anak ng mayaman (from a rich family),” he said in his speech during the meeting of the national and regional task force to end local communist armed conflict in Mindoro.

He, in turn, blasted the presidential aspirant by questioning the person’s contributions to the Philippines.

“Anong nagawa ng tao na ‘yan (What did that person do)? What contribution has he made para sa (for the) Pilipinas (Philippines)? Bakit ang Pilipino parang lokong loko na supporting (Why are Filipinos so crazy crazy supporting that person)…,” he said.

“Magtanong lang ako sa inyo, ano ang ginawa niyan? Nagdo-droga ‘yan ng cocaine (I just want to ask, what did that person do? The person uses cocaine),” he added.

He told the public that they should “find out” who the presidential candidate was.

“Hindi ako nang-iintriga. Bahala kayo. Find out kung sino. Magtanong kayo sa Davao kung may kilala kayo. Ang mga taga-Maynila, ‘yung mga mayayaman talaga,” Duterte said.

(I’m not weaving a tale of intrigue. You decide. Find out who. Find out if you know anyone in Davao. Manila is home to many wealthy people.)

The President also said he is baffled by the fame and the public’s “fascination” with the presidential hopeful, reiterating that the candidate does illegal drugs.

Duterte said the presidential aspirant is a “very weak leader, except for the name,” dropping a hint that the family’s patriarch is known.

“Bahala kayo kung anong gusto ninyo na tao. Inyo yan, ang akin lang, pagdating ng panahon, basta sinabi ko sa inyo, he is a very weak leader, ang character, except for the name… ang tatay… pero siya, anong ginawa niya?” he said.

(It’s up to you to guess who it might be. Once the time comes, you will know what I have told you. He’s not a very strong leader, except for his name… the father… but what does he do?)

“He may win hands down, okay, if that’s what the Filipino wants, go ahead. Basta alam ninyo (You probably already know),” he added.