MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday alleged that former president Rodrigo Duterte is taking fentanyl.
“I think it’s the fentanyl. Fentanyl is the strongest painkiller you can buy. It is highly addictive and it has very serious side effects and PRRD has been taking the drug for a very long time now,” said Marcos in an ambush interview in Pasay before he left for Vietnam.
According to Marcos, Duterte has been taking the painkiller for five to six years. Marcos said that it was bound to have some sort of effect on Duterte.
“I hope his doctors take better care of them, this problem should not be ignored,” said Marcos.
Duterte alleged that Marcos was on the government drugs watch list.
The former president, known for his vicious war on drugs, said that the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) showed him evidence that Marcos was using drugs.
Asked about these allegations, Marcos also laughed off the question asking if he took illegal drugs, saying he will not dignify it.
“I won’t even dignify the question,” said Marcos.
Duterte made the allegations in a Sunday Davao rally against charter-change.
“PDEA showed me evidence back when I was a mayor. You are on their list, but I didn’t say anything because we are friends, if not acquaintances. But this is a wrong move on your part, Mr. President; I am afraid you will follow in your father’s footsteps. I don’t want that to happen to you,” Duterte said.
However, the PDEA categorically denied Duterte’s statement, saying that Marcos was never in any sort of government watch list for drugs. (Jean Mangaluz © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
