Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has challenged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to undergo a public drug test together, demanding that the test be conducted at Luneta Park by an independent entity or doctor. Duterte made this announcement during a press briefing in Davao City on Tuesday, as reported on GTV’s “Balitanghali” on Wednesday.
Duterte also claimed that a Cabinet official was allegedly using cocaine alongside Marcos. Furthermore, he insisted that Marcos was on the drug watchlist of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), a claim previously denied by PDEA.
The former president vowed to release the PDEA’s list publicly once he obtains it. Duterte’s statement came in response to a challenge from Speaker Martin Romualdez, who is Marcos’s cousin, to provide evidence supporting his allegations.
The Palace has yet to issue a statement regarding Duterte’s challenge. However, Marcos recently stated that he would not engage with the drug allegations and denied using illegal drugs.
Duterte initially made the allegations during a prayer rally in Davao City, where he referred to Marcos as “bangag” (addicted) and accused him of being an “adik” (drug user) while opposing a people’s initiative aimed at amending the Constitution. Marcos suggested that Duterte might be affected by the drug Fentanyl, which Duterte is rumored to be taking. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid approved for use as a pain reliever and anesthetic, known for its highly addictive nature and serious side effects.