PAGBUNYAG NI IMEE: 'Drug User' si PBBM pati si FL Liza Marcos sabi ng kapatid?. скачать в хорошем качестве

PAGBUNYAG NI IMEE: 'Drug User' si PBBM pati si FL Liza Marcos sabi ng kapatid?.

In her address, Senator Marcos publicly made serious allegations against her younger brother, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., and his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos. Core Accusation: Senator Marcos accused the President and the First Lady of using illegal drugs, specifically mentioning cocaine and marijuana in the context of their past, and claimed her brother's addiction had worsened since his marriage. She further stated that the alleged drug use was ongoing and claimed it extended to the presidential children, including Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, and that the family allegedly encouraged other relatives to use illegal substances. Timeframe and Context: She claimed she was aware of her brother's drug use since childhood and that marrying Liza was a "huge mistake." Her remarks suggested the alleged drug use was a factor in what she perceives as the lack of accountability and widespread corruption under the current administration, implying that the President "no longer knows what's happening." Call to Action: She made a public emotional appeal to the President, urging him to "come home," seek treatment, and undergo rehabilitation, prioritizing his health over his political position. The Palace, through a press officer, refuted the allegations, questioning the Senator's motives and pointing to the President's prior negative drug tests. Legal Effects of the Accusations The public accusations of past (and allegedly ongoing) drug use against a sitting President and First Lady, especially when made by a family member, carry significant political weight but have limited immediate legal effects in the criminal sense. 1. Presidential Immunity Sitting President: Under the doctrine of Presidential Immunity, a sitting President of the Philippines cannot be sued or charged with a crime, whether past or present, during their tenure. The only constitutional method to hold a President accountable while in office is through impeachment. Impeachment Process: The accusations of illegal drug use (which is a crime under RA 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) or an inability to discharge the powers and duties of office due to a health condition (related to drug use) could potentially be grounds for an impeachment complaint under "culpable violation of the Constitution" or "other high crimes." However, a simple accusation is not evidence; a formal, substantiated complaint would be required. 2. Criminal Charges (After Term) No Post-Term Immunity: If the President leaves office (either by resignation, impeachment, or expiration of term), the presidential immunity ceases. A former President can be charged with any crime committed before or during their term. Statute of Limitations: For the crime of illegal drug use (specifically Section 15 of RA 9165), there is a statute of limitations (the time limit to file charges). If the alleged drug use occurred "some decades ago," as mentioned in your query, the statute of limitations for the crime of drug use may have already expired, making criminal prosecution impossible unless the alleged use is proven to be continuing. 3. Libel/Defamation Public Official Context: The President and First Lady could potentially file a civil or criminal libel (or Slander by Deed) case against Senator Marcos. However, public figures, especially the President, face a very high burden of proof in libel cases, particularly when the statement involves a matter of public interest, which the fitness of the President certainly is. Chilling Effect: The First Family may choose not to pursue legal action against a family member, as it could prolong the negative public discussion and potentially open the case to a court inquiry. 4. Administrative/Health Concerns Fitness to Serve: While not a direct legal charge, a credible and sustained public accusation of active substance abuse raises questions about the President's fitness to hold office. However, the Constitution provides no clear mechanism for forcibly removing a President based solely on accusations of poor health or drug use without initiating the impeachment process.