Malacañang has strongly denied Vice President Sara Duterte’s allegations linking First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to a reported drug-related death in the United States, calling the claims baseless and misleading.
The Vice President recently claimed that the First Lady was named in a police report after a fatal suspected drug overdose incident in a U.S. hotel room, suggesting it was the reason behind the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by Philippine authorities on March 11. She alleged the arrest served as a diversion to protect the First Lady.
According to Duterte, “Nakasaad daw sa report na kasama si First Lady sa loob ng kwarto kung saan nangyari ang overdose,” even alleging the presence of white powder suspected to be cocaine.
Responding to the statement, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro labeled the narrative as fabricated. “Siya pala ang pinanggagalingan ng fake news na ito,” Castro said in an ABS-CBN News report, stressing that there’s no truth to the Vice President’s story.
To disprove the claim, Castro presented a photograph of the First Lady meeting with Girl Scouts of the Philippines on March 11—the same day the former president was reportedly turned over to the International Criminal Court.
“Bilang Bise Presidente, hindi ba dapat inalam muna niya ang katotohanan bago magsalita?” Castro added, calling the VP’s remarks a disservice not only to the Marcoses but also to the organizations involved.
The Palace also rejected Duterte’s criticism of the current anti-drug campaign. The Vice President had said drug use was worsening, blaming leadership that “shows no respect for authority.”
Castro countered the narrative with data, stating that between July 1, 2022, and December 30, 2024, over 94,000 anti-drug operations were conducted, leading to the arrest of more than 127,000 individuals and the confiscation of illegal drugs worth over ₱52 billion.
“Mas marami pong accomplishments ang administrasyon ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. laban sa ilegal na droga,” Castro emphasized, dismissing the suggestion that the campaign was weakening.
The Palace urged the public to remain critical of unfounded claims and instead rely on verified information.
