Malacañang reiterated that President Bongbong Marcos will not undergo a hair follicle drug test, stating he will not respond to political provocations or demands issued by his critics. The statement came after Senator Imee Marcos publicly challenged the President to take the test, saying she would submit to a DNA test if he agreed.
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President will not be swayed by attempts to pressure him into compliance, emphasizing that the matter has already been settled.
“Uulitin natin, paulit-ulit, uulit-ulitin natin, hindi po tayo magpapadala kung ano ang sinasabi ng mga maiingay. Matagal na po itong naresolba,” Castro said in a briefing on Tuesday, Nov. 18.
She insisted that Marcos will not give in to any form of political coercion.
“Ang Pangulo po ay malinis at ang Pangulo po ay hindi magpapadala sa anumang pag-uudyok – pag-uudyok ng mga destabilizers, pag-uudyok ng mga obstructionists na walang gagawin kung hindi magbigay ng mga kondisyon, magbigay ng pag-uutos sa Pangulo kahit hindi na po ito naaayon sa kaniyang pagtatrabaho,” Castro stressed.
Castro also criticized the senator’s recent moves, accusing her of supporting individuals with criminal histories instead of backing her own sibling.
“So, alam naman natin, muli uulitin ko, mas pinuprotektahan niya ang mga taong may issue about corruption, mas pinuprotektahan niya ang mga taong umamin na murderer kaysa sa kapatid niya na nagsasagawa lamang ng pagpapa-imbestiga para mawala, masugpo ang korapsyon sa bansa,” Castro said.
On Monday night, the Presidential Communications Office addressed claims that the President and his family are involved in illegal drug use. The Palace has repeatedly denied the allegation and described the senator’s latest remarks as “desperate moves.”
