The Palace on Tuesday rallied behind House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos after he rebuked his aunt, Senator Imee Marcos, over the drug use allegations against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Sandro’s remarks—branding the senator’s allegations as a “web of lies” and “not the conduct of a true sibling”—reflect the growing impatience inside the administration over what it sees as a coordinated effort to undermine the President.
“It is clearly a lie,” Castro said, dismissing the allegations as recycled claims used by the President’s political opponents.
She noted that the senator’s narrative echoes talking points once attributed to former President Rodrigo Duterte, which he later contradicted by denying that Marcos used illegal drugs.
Castro also did not rule out possible legal action by the First Couple against the senator but reiterated a “wait and see” stance as developments unfold.
She said Sandro’s frustration is understandable, adding that his remarks point to broader expectations on loyalty and integrity.
“He is talking about character, the attitude of being a sibling,” Castro said.
“It’s true… it’s not at all the behavior of a sibling to bring down one’s own family.”
Castro also addressed questions about the personal nature of Imee’s claims, including her statement that President Marcos used drugs in his youth.
“Is it love to smear your own sibling? Unfounded accusations,” she said.
She added that the President consistently prioritizes fighting corruption over protecting those who admit to serious crimes, including murder, even if they are close to his own family.
When asked about a hair follicle test, as suggested by Imee, Castro reiterated that the administration would not be swayed by public noise or political pressure.
“We will not yield to any provocation from destabilizers or obstructionists,” she said. “The President is clean and will continue serving the people.”
Meanwhile, Senator Imee Marcos on Tuesday said she is willing to take a DNA test to prove she is a sibling of President Marcos, provided that he, First Lady Liza Marcos, and their son Sandro undergo hair follicle tests to show they are not illegal drug users.
“Sandro wants to stir up rumors that I am not a true sibling. There is only one solution: I will take a DNA test, and they will undergo hair follicle tests,” she said in Filipino, translated into English.
Sandro earlier rejected her claims, calling them baseless and disloyal, while Imee accused him of trying to portray her as unrelated.
