MANILA, Philippines — The people behind the production and spreading of a “fake” video showing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr sniffing an alleged illicit substance will face legal charges, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said.
“The Department of Justice will take all necessary actions to identify and prosecute those responsible for this deceitful act,” DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said.
In a message to reporters, Clavano said that the production and spreading of the fake video showing the president allegedly sniffing a drug is prohibited under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code.
The official also said that the “timing” of the video, which was released on the day of Marcos’ third State of the Nation Address (SONA), aims to “undermine” the credibility of the chief executive.
“The timing of the release of this fake video, occurring just before the President’s State of the Nation Address, unmistakably indicates an intent to undermine the credibility of the President and the critical speech he is set to deliver,” Clavano said.
He likewise noted that the act “erodes public trust” and it also threatens public order due to misinformation.
The now-viral video, which is currently widely spread across different platforms, has become a hot topic on the day of Marcos SONA.
Several officials have debunked the video, with Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos ordering the Philippine National Police to investigate the viral video.
Abalos said the video was fake and malicious.
The video has also become a focal point for allies-turned-rivals of the administration. Atty. Harry Roque, in particular, was seen sharing the video on his platform, seemingly hinting at previous allegations that the president is involved in drug use.
“Husgahan,” said Roque, with the video of Marcos allegedly sniffing an illegal substance with the caption “husgahan si bangag,” which means judge someone who’s high on drugs.
Click this link to watch the video : https://fb.watch/tuSzYbL7DR/?
Meanwhile, former Marcos campaign manager and Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez said in a separate statement that the president should present a negative drug result to prove that he is not an addict.
“The only way to regain the citizen’s trust, faith, and confidence is by presenting a negative result done through an open, transparent, and credible hair follicle drug test,” Rodriguez said.
This was also the sentiment of former President Rodrigo Duterte who is now being dragged in the viral video.
“Even the ordinary man on the street knows that the best way to put the issue to rest is for Pres. Marcos to undergo a hair follicle drug test.
Duterte said that a negative drug test result would erase all doubts once and for all but all Marcos did was laugh and deny.
The former president denied having a hand at the video which surfaced during the Hakbang ng Maisug gathering in the United States.
Earlier this year, the former president spit at his successor and claimed that Marcos was a “drug addict.” The PNP later denied having Marcos on the list of drug addicts and said the president “was never on our watch list.”
