In a bold move, ex-President Rodrigo Duterte has publicly called on the current President, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., to take a drug test in a highly visible setting, specifically suggesting Luneta Park as the venue. During a press conference in Davao City, Duterte proposed that both leaders undergo blood testing administered by an impartial party or physician to dispel any suspicions of drug use.
The challenge comes amidst Duterte’s incendiary claim of cocaine usage within the Cabinet, directly involving President Marcos. This assertion includes the allegation that Marcos is under surveillance by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), a statement that PDEA has previously refuted. Known for his no-nonsense approach and a pivotal war on drugs campaign during his presidency, Duterte has also voiced his intention to disclose the contents of the PDEA watchlist if he manages to obtain it.
This dramatic development follows after Speaker Martin Romualdez, a relative of Marcos, prompted Duterte to substantiate his accusations with concrete evidence. Duterte had previously labeled Marcos as “bangag” (a local term indicating being under the influence of drugs) during a prayer gathering in Davao City. He insinuated that Marcos was a drug addict and cautioned against potential constitutional amendments aimed at extending their hold on power.
On his part, Marcos has dismissed these accusations with a hint of sarcasm, attributing them to the side effects of fentanyl, a potent drug that Duterte has acknowledged using during his presidency for pain relief. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration recognizes fentanyl as a powerful synthetic opioid, sanctioned for pain management and anesthetic purposes.
Efforts are currently underway by GMA Integrated News to obtain a response from President Marcos regarding these unfolding events.