MANILA, Philippines — Senator Panfilo Lacson said he is “1,000%” certain President Rodrigo Duterte was not referring to him when he accused a presidential aspirant of being a cocaine user.
“Except to say, I am 1,000% sure he was not referring to me, I have no further comment,” Lacson said in a message to reporters when sought for comment on Duterte’s claims against a presidential bet.
In a previous statement in October, Lacson also expressed willingness to undergo a drug test.
“I have never been addicted to drugs all my life, so I have no problem with that. In fact, we should all undergo random testing to make it more credible. I understand drug toxins may dissipate after 72 hours,” the senator had said.
On Thursday night, Duterte accused a presidential aspirant of using cocaine.
While he did not give the person’s name, Duterte hinted that the aspirant comes from a well-known and rich clan, whose family name means “strong” and is known for its patriarch.
Other presidential bets have likewise said they are willing to be drug tested.
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