Marcos Administration Clarifies Misinformation on Drug Testing for Uniformed Personnel
Manila, Philippines – The Philippine government has moved swiftly to debunk a manipulated video circulating on social media that falsely claims President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ended mandatory drug testing for police and military personnel. The misleading video, which has gained traction among pro-Duterte online communities, emerged amidst escalating tensions between the Marcos and Duterte families ahead of the 2025 mid-term elections. The edited clip, shared across platforms like X, Facebook, and TikTok, ignited a firestorm of speculation and fueled accusations against President Marcos.
The controversy stems from a deceptively edited portion of a news report by UNTV News, originally broadcast on August 15, 2024. The UNTV report accurately detailed a memorandum issued by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Rommel Marbil streamlining the firearm license renewal process for active police and military personnel. This streamlined process exempted these personnel from undergoing additional drug and neurological tests specifically for firearm license renewal, recognizing that they already undergo regular and comprehensive substance testing as part of their service.
The manipulated video, however, excised the crucial context of the UNTV report, presenting the exemption as a complete abolition of mandatory drug testing for uniformed personnel. This misinformation quickly spread online, prompting outrage and accusations from supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who initiated a controversial and deadly anti-drug campaign during his presidency. Social media comments reflected the erroneous belief that Marcos had ended mandatory drug testing, with some attributing this supposed action to alleged drug use by the President.
Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla issued a strong rebuttal to the false claims, denouncing the video as "deliberately misleading" and the accompanying caption as "downright malicious." Remulla emphasized that the exemption applied solely to firearm license renewal, and reiterated that all police and military personnel remain subject to regular and comprehensive drug and neurological testing as a mandatory condition of their service. This clarification aims to quell the online furor and correct the misrepresentation of the government policy.
The incident underscores the heightened political sensitivities in the Philippines as the 2025 mid-term elections approach. The rift between the Marcos and Duterte families, once strong allies, has widened significantly, leading to public accusations and counter-accusations, including unsubstantiated allegations of drug use. The manipulated video and the subsequent online reaction highlight how easily misinformation can spread and be weaponized in a charged political climate. The government’s rapid response to debunk the false claims emphasizes the importance of accurate information and media literacy, especially in the lead-up to elections.
Further investigations are underway to identify the source of the manipulated video and those responsible for its dissemination. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential for malicious actors to exploit social media platforms to spread disinformation and sow discord. Authorities are urging citizens to be vigilant and critical consumers of online content, and to verify information from reputable news sources before sharing it. The government remains committed to transparency and accountability and will continue to actively address misinformation campaigns that threaten to undermine public trust and democratic processes.