Family Feud Escalates as President Marcos Faces Sister’s Allegations

Manila, Philippines — A significant family dispute has erupted in the Philippines as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confronts serious allegations from his estranged sister, Senator Imee Marcos. During a recent political rally, Imee claimed that her brother has long struggled with cocaine addiction, suggesting that this issue has impaired his ability to govern effectively.

In a press conference on March 20, 2023, President Marcos chose not to address the allegations directly. He expressed a desire to keep family matters private, stating, “It’s anathema to talk about family matters generally in public. We do not like to show our dirty linen in public.” His comments reflect a deepening rift between the siblings, particularly following Imee’s public alignment with Vice President Sara Duterte, the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, a prominent critic of the Marcos family.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro dismissed Imee Marcos’ claims as “a web of lies,” implying that they may have been intended to divert attention from ongoing investigations into a corruption scandal involving Imee’s political allies. Previous reports indicate that President Marcos Jr. has tested negative for illegal substances, including cocaine and methamphetamine.

The family feud’s roots trace back to their father, former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., whose regime was marked by human rights abuses and political repression. The Marcos family regained political influence after returning from exile in 1991, culminating in Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decisive presidential victory in 2022.

In a speech at a religious rally in Manila, Imee Marcos alleged that her brother’s drug dependency began during their father’s presidency and persists to this day. She claimed this addiction has detrimental effects on his health and decision-making abilities. The tensions are further complicated by the recent arrest of Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained in the Netherlands following an International Criminal Court warrant for alleged crimes against humanity related to his administration’s violent anti-drug campaign.

The fallout from this family dispute raises questions about the stability of the Marcos administration as it navigates both internal conflicts and external pressures. President Marcos, 68, noted that he and Imee have drifted apart, stating, “We no longer travel in the same circles, political or otherwise.”

As the situation unfolds, public and political reactions will likely shape the narrative surrounding both the Marcos and Duterte families, as well as their respective legacies in Philippine politics.