Marcos camp on Duterte’s cocaine allegations: ‘We don’t feel alluded to’

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 19)— The camp of former Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said they “don’t feel alluded to” after President Rodrigo Duterte claimed that a presidential aspirant was a cocaine user.

“We don't feel alluded to. We’re just concentrating on what we’re doing,” Marcos’ spokesperson Vic Rodriguez said in a radio interview Friday morning. “We only have the highest respect, paggalang at pagkilala kay (respect and admiration to) Presidente Duterte.”

Duterte on Thursday questioned the accomplishments and qualifications of one presidential candidate, who he claims is into cocaine and a "weak leader."

"There is even a presidential candidate na nag-cocaine (who uses cocaine)," Duterte said during his speech before the anti-insurgency task force in Mindoro.

The chief executive did not name the presidential hopeful, but dropped hints that he has known family name and father.

"Basta sinabi ko sa inyo, he is a very weak leader, ang character niya. Except for the name, ang tatay," Duterte argued. "Pero siya, anong ginawa niya? If that is what the Filipino wants, go ahead. Basta alam ninyo."

[Translation: I'm telling you, he is a very weak leader, his character. Except for the name, his father. But what has he done? If that is what the Filipino wants, go ahead. But at least you know.]

Duterte, however, did not provide any supporting evidence on his claims.

In a separate speech aired Friday, Duterte called Marcos a “weak leader” and a “spoiled child.” The chief executive made the remark when asked if he sees a possible coalition between his party and the Lakas-CMD, which his daughter chairs.

“No, because nandiyan si Marcos. Hindi ako sa bilib sa kanya. He is really a weak leader… Talagang weak kasi spoiled child, only son," Duterte said.

On October 29, Rodriguez said in a text message that Marcos “supports and endorses” any proposal for candidates to undergo drug testing.

“Of course, unifying presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos supports and endorses any proposal for the drug testing of all candidates in the coming 2022 elections, and in all poll exercises that follow,” the lawyer said.