Amid a major corruption scandal, Sen. Imee Marcos accused her brother, President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr., of using illegal drugs. The remarks came at an anti-corruption rally of the Iglesia Ni Cristo. Experts attribute the tensions to struggles over family legacy and power.
In Manila, Philippines, Sen. Imee Marcos publicly turned against her brother, the president, at what was meant to be a non-political anti-corruption rally of the Iglesia Ni Cristo. She portrayed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as a weak leader using illegal drugs—an unproven claim first raised years ago by former president Rodrigo Duterte and echoed by his supporters. The remarks followed days after resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co, the main suspect in the flood control fund scheme, accused the president of benefiting from kickbacks, central to the unfolding corruption scandal.
Public policy analyst Dindo Manhit, president of the Stratbase Group, questioned the timing of Imee’s accusations. “If she believed her brother was a drug user, why did she let him run?” he asked. He views it as part of a broader effort to create instability in the country, undermining the president’s leadership and adding to political polarization.
Sociologist Athena Charanne Presto highlighted contradictions, such as Imee’s support for her brother’s presidential run and her role in brokering an alliance with Vice President Sara Duterte, with whom he later fell out. She argues Imee is now wrestling the Marcos family legacy from Bongbong, which holds significant social capital and a loyal voting bloc for the 2028 elections. However, Presto notes this legacy is tied to political and economic issues perpetuating national poverty and debt.
Both Manhit and Presto agree the focus must remain on corruption, not personal distractions. “Let us talk about it, but let us not be trapped by these personal things,” Presto said. Manhit calls for stronger actions like jailing the corrupt and reforms such as an independent fact-finding commission and anti-dynasty measures to ensure accountability.