MANILA, Philippines – Senator Imee Marcos publicly accused her brother, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and their children of being drug addicts during an Iglesia ni Cristo rally attended by around half a million people in Manila on Monday evening, November 17.
“Ever since Bongbong and I were children, the family already knew about him,” Imee said in her speech. “Back then, because our father was still around, he wasn’t my responsibility yet. As he grew older, it became more concerning. I knew that he was using drugs.”
She further claimed that the President’s alleged drug use worsened after he married Liza, whom she also accused of being a drug user. Imee went on to allege that the First Family’s children—including Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos—were also using illegal drugs. She added that the President and First Lady had supposedly encouraged her own children and other relatives to use drugs as well.
Addressing her brother directly, Imee called for him to return home and seek help.
“Hinihingi ko na tayo ay umuwi na. Mamahinga. Alang-alang sa iyong kalusugan. Kaya kong mabigo at mawala sa ’yo ang posisyon pero hindi ko kayang mawala ka sa amin. Ayusin mo ang sarili mo. Magpagamot. Alisin ang droga sa iyong sistema,” she said.
(I’m asking that we go home now. Rest, for the sake of your health. I can accept it if you fail or lose your position, but I cannot bear to lose you. Take care of yourself. Seek treatment. Remove drugs from your system.)
According to Imee, her relationship with the President became increasingly distant after his 2022 victory. Aside from official functions and gatherings involving their mother, former first lady Imelda Marcos, she said she avoided the First Family due to what she described as “blatant drinking and the use of cocaine and other illegal drugs.” She claimed that the alleged drug use had resulted in corruption and poor decision-making in government.
Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro dismissed Imee’s accusations, citing the President’s previously released negative drug test results. Castro questioned the senator’s timing and motives, suggesting her claims may be linked to the possibility that some of her political allies in the Senate could soon face investigation.
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