Former President Rodrigo Duterte has issued a bold challenge to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., daring him to undergo a drug test together at Luneta Park in Manila. Duterte firmly believes that the current Chief Executive is a drug addict and wants to prove his point in a public setting.
This statement from Duterte comes in response to Marcos blaming fentanyl for the accusations made against him by his predecessor. In a press conference held in Davao City, Duterte revealed that he was prescribed a fentanyl patch eight years ago after undergoing surgery for a motorcycle accident. He emphasized that the prescription was given by his doctor at Saint Luke’s pain center, Dr. Javier. Duterte no longer takes fentanyl and questions where Marcos obtains his alleged drug supply, rhetorically asking if cocaine requires a prescription.
Duterte, who is the father of Vice President Sara Duterte, has challenged Marcos to undergo a drug test with an independent body at Luneta Park. He believes that it is not his responsibility to prove the accusations against Marcos, as they originate from the public. Duterte invited Marcos to sit with him at the park and take a blood test administered by an independent entity or doctor.
Additionally, Duterte claims that Marcos is on the watchlist of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), a statement that the agency has already denied. Duterte has promised to release the document supporting his claim once he obtains it. He criticized PDEA, calling them “fools” for denying the existence of the record and questioned who in the agency would willingly volunteer for the narco list.
This exchange between Duterte and Marcos was sparked by Duterte’s accusation during a prayer rally in Davao City. Duterte referred to Marcos, in Filipino, as being “high on illegal drugs” and accused him of being a drug addict. He also warned against any attempts to amend the Constitution to “perpetuate themselves in power.”
Marcos brushed off the accusation, attributing Duterte’s behavior to the effects of fentanyl, a drug that Duterte has openly admitted to taking during his presidency. Marcos highlighted the addictive nature and serious side effects of fentanyl, suggesting that it may have influenced Duterte’s actions. When asked directly if he categorically denied involvement in illegal drugs, Marcos laughed and chose not to dignify the question with a response.
According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration, fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved for use as an analgesic or pain relief and anesthetic. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. An overdose of fentanyl can lead to serious health complications and even death.
The challenge issued by Duterte to Marcos adds another layer of tension to their ongoing exchange. It remains to be seen whether Marcos will accept the challenge and undergo the drug test. The public eagerly awaits the outcome, as it could have significant implications for the credibility and integrity of the current President.
Source: The Manila Times
