Tue Nov 18 07:45:03 UTC 2025: Philippine President Denies Drug Use Allegations Amid Corruption Scandal, Sister’s Claims
Manila, Philippines – Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is facing a double whammy of scandal as he rejects allegations of long-term drug use leveled by his estranged sister, Senator Imee Marcos, amidst growing public outcry over a major corruption scandal involving flood-control projects.
Senator Marcos, speaking at a rally organized by a religious group, the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), accused her brother of a cocaine dependency dating back to their father’s presidency, claiming it has led to widespread corruption, poor decision-making, and a lack of accountability within his administration. She further implicated the President’s wife and children in drug use, though she provided no concrete evidence.
President Marcos, through his spokesperson, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro, vehemently denied the allegations, dismissing them as recycled and baseless. Castro also criticized the Senator for failing to address similar allegations against former President Rodrigo Duterte, who has admitted to past fentanyl use.
The accusations come as Marcos’s administration is under intense scrutiny over a multi-billion peso corruption scandal involving ghost flood-control projects. The Department of Finance estimates the Philippine economy lost up to 118.5 billion pesos ($2 billion) between 2023 and 2025 due to corruption in these projects. Critics say up to 70% of public funds allocated for flood control may have been misappropriated. The scandal coincides with a year of devastating storms, including recent typhoons that have left hundreds dead and millions displaced, further fueling public anger.
Tens of thousands of protesters, rallied by the influential INC, have taken to the streets of Manila demanding accountability. The INC, which endorsed Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte in the 2022 elections, has reportedly shifted its support toward Duterte following a falling-out between the two leaders.
President Marcos has vowed to prosecute those involved in the flood-control corruption, promising legal action by the end of the year. However, despite launching an investigation nearly 100 days ago, no notable arrests have been made. A recent poll indicates that over 80% of Metro Manila residents believe corruption has worsened under Marcos’s administration. Castro urged Senator Marcos to support the investigation and avoid shielding any corrupt individuals.
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