Duterte Clarifies Labeling Bongbong Marcos as “Drug Addict”

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In a surprising turn of events, Former President Rodrigo Duterte has retracted his controversial statement accusing President Bongbong Marcos of “being an addict”. The incident dates back to January when a prayer rally organized by Duterte’s supporters took place. During his speech, Duterte alleged that there was a president who was using prohibited drugs, seemingly referring to Marcos. Before the presidential election, Duterte hinted at a presidential candidate also using drugs, which seemed to align with his statement at the prayer rally.

However, when questioned about these allegations, President Marcos merely laughed them off, attributing Duterte’s claims to his supposed consumption of fentanyl. But what is fentanyl? Fentanyl is a potent opioid agonist developed in the 1950s to provide strong and rapid pain relief, particularly for chronic cancer pain or during anesthesia. Due to its potency, fentanyl is often used as an adulterant in illicit drugs, notably heroin, contributing to numerous overdose deaths, particularly in the United States and Canada.

Despite the initial controversy, Duterte surprisingly retracted his statement during a recent interview, stating that he did not accuse Marcos of being a “drug user”. “Kung sabihin mong addict, wala akong sinabi na ganoon. Patayin ako ni Marcos niyan. Maawa ka naman sa’kin, matanda na ako.” Duterte said. This retraction comes less than a month after his initial accusation, indicating a change in stance or perhaps a realization of the gravity of his words.

The retraction highlights the volatility of political discourse and the impact of public statements made by influential figures like Duterte. Accusations of drug use against a sitting president are serious and can have far-reaching consequences, not only for the individual targeted but also for the political landscape as a whole. Duterte’s about-face on the issue may reflect a desire to avoid further controversy or legal repercussions, especially considering the potential backlash from Marcos and his supporters.

Duterte’s retraction of his controversial statement accusing President Marcos of drug use underscores the importance of accountability and accuracy in public discourse, particularly in the realm of politics. While the initial accusation sparked controversy and speculation, Duterte’s reversal serves as a reminder of the need for careful consideration of words and their potential consequences, especially in the sensitive arena of presidential politics.

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