Ex-President Duterte Challenges President Marcos to a Public Drug Test

janimonow

February 1

In a bold and contentious move, former President Rodrigo Duterte has issued a public challenge to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., urging both of them to undergo a blood test for drugs at Manila's iconic Luneta Park. Duterte proposed that this test be conducted by an independent entity or doctor, emphasizing his readiness to participate alongside President Marcos. The audacious suggestion was made during a press briefing in Davao City and reported on GTV "Balitanghali" this Wednesday.

Duterte further claimed that a member of the Cabinet is also using cocaine alongside President Marcos. He asserted that Marcos is on the drug watchlist of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), a claim that PDEA has previously denied. The former president vowed to reveal the PDEA list to the public once he obtains it.

This dramatic challenge follows a counter-challenge from Speaker Martin Romualdez, a cousin of President Marcos, who called on Duterte to provide evidence to substantiate his allegations.

As of now, there has been no official response from the Palace regarding Duterte's challenge. However, President Marcos, before his recent trip to Vietnam, expressed his reluctance to engage with allegations suggesting his involvement with illegal drugs.

The original allegations by Duterte were made during a prayer rally in Davao City on Sunday, where he vehemently opposed the people's initiative as a method to amend the Constitution, referring to President Marcos with derogatory terms linked to drug use. In response, President Marcos hinted at the possibility of Duterte being under the influence of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, known for its highly addictive nature and severe side effects, as described by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.