In the wake of Senator Imee Marcos’ public claim that her brother, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., along with his wife and children, suffers from drug addiction, legal and diplomatic circles have begun calling for greater accountability and transparency. Among the most notable responses is a statement from Dr. Melissa Loja, an international law expert, who underscored the seriousness of the allegations and their potential implications for national security.

In a message shared via Viber, Dr. Loja stated: “Every president is subject to the highest standards of probity and integrity because he holds power by his lonesome and in person, including sole command of the armed forces.” She contrasted this with the institutional checks on senators, congressmen, and justices, who exercise power collectively.

Legal and diplomatic circles have begun calling for greater accountability and transparency. Among the most notable responses is a statement from Dr. Loja who underscored the seriousness of the issue and its potential implications for national security.

Her remarks—made without the protection of legislative immunity—were accompanied by an offer to resign alongside the President, an act Dr. Loja described as “of the highest probative value.”

Dr. Loja warned that the allegations constitute “a matter of national security and economic survival, rather than a petty family quarrel,” particularly in light of Senator Marcos’ claim that the President’s alleged substance abuse may have compromised his resistance to corrupt influences. Dr. Loja emphasized that “a follicle test rather than a flippant denial is imperative,” adding that international stakeholders—especially foreign investors and creditors—are unlikely to be as easily reassured as domestic audiences.

The Palace has dismissed the allegations as a “desperate move,” citing a 2021 drug test from St. Luke’s Medical Center that reportedly showed negative results. However, critics argue that the test’s timing and scope are insufficient in light of the current accusations.

Dr. Loja’s statement highlights the broader implications of the controversy, warning that the Philippines’ credibility on the international stage could be at stake. She observed that “foreign news outlets and international audiences will scrutinize this more rigorously than local journalists and readers,” suggesting that a lack of transparency in addressing the allegations could harm the country’s reputation and economic outlook.

As the issue continues to unfold, calls for an independent investigation are intensifying. Legal experts, civil society organizations, and international observers are closely monitoring developments. Whether the administration will respond to these calls remains uncertain—but the pressure is undeniably mounting.

#Transparency#ProbativeValue#TheBenchFiles