‘That lady talking is not my sister’

MANILA, Philippines — Heaving a sigh, President Marcos said it was not his sister who accused him and his family on live television of being drug addicts.

Presidential sister Sen. Imee Marcos, an ally of his running mate-turned-arch critic Vice President Sara Duterte, had accused him, First Lady Liza Marcos and their children of being drug addicts during an anti-corruption rally of religious group Iglesia ni Cristo last week.

The senator had also urged her younger brother to end his suffering and that of the nation by undergoing treatment and returning home.

At a briefing yesterday, Marcos appeared at first to be hesitant about reacting to Imee’s diatribe, noting that the issue involved “family matters.”

The President, nevertheless, disclosed what his family and friends felt about Imee after a heavy sigh.

“It’s anathema to me to talk about family matters generally in public. I do not like to – we do not like to show our dirty linen in public. So, I’ll just say this much,” Marcos said.

“For a while now, we’ve been very worried about my sister. When I say ‘we,’ I’m talking about friends and family. And the reason that is, is because the lady that you see talking on TV is not my sister. And that view is shared by our cousins, our friends,” he added.

“Hindi siya ’yan (It’s not her). So, that’s why we worry. So, we are very worried about her. I hope she feels better soon.”

Marcos did not elaborate on the condition of his elder sister, who has been critical of the administration.

In reaction, the senator dismissed her brother’s statement, saying he was “seeing things.” She said she would like to be proven wrong. “Bongbong, it’s me. Prove me wrong – I want to be proven wrong,” she said.

Asked whether he has spoken to Imee, Marcos replied: “We no longer travel in the same circles, political or otherwise. So, no.”

Imee’s accusations have triggered a series of ugly public exchanges, including those questioning her parentage.

Marcos’ eldest son, House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos, had described Imee’s remarks as “baseless” and “not the act of a true sibling.”

The senator responded that she would undergo a DNA test if Marcos and his family subject themselves to a hair follicle drug tests.

Malacañang had labeled Imee’s allegations as a “desperation move” and maintained that Marcos had tested negative for narcotics use at St. Luke’s Medical Center in 2021.