Manila, Philippines — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. refused to respond on Monday to an allegation by his estranged sister, a senator, that he has been a longtime drug addict whose cocaine dependence has undermined his governance, saying with a somber tone that he didn't want to discuss a family rift in public.

That split has been growing since Imee Marcos publicly aligned with his political arch rival, Vice President Sara Duterte, ahead of midterm elections in May. Sara Duterte is the daughter of Rodrigo Duterte, Ferdinand Maros Jr.'s harsh critic and predecessor.

Imee Marcos poses for a photo during the proclamation of elected senators in Manila on May 17, 2025. JAM STA ROSA / AFP via Getty Images

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro has said that Sen. Imee Marcos

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