Photo credit: Ping Lacson

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has criticized Sen. Imee Marcos for publicly accusing her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., of drug use during a massive religious gathering in Manila, calling the move a breach of Filipino cultural norms and political decorum.

In an interview on True FM, Lacson said sibling disagreements are normal, but bringing those disputes to a public stage — especially before a huge crowd — goes beyond what Filipinos consider acceptable behavior.

“That was very un-Filipino. We have seen siblings quarrel but they confine it inside the home… But to bring your conflict in front of hundreds of thousands of people at the Luneta, to me that’s unacceptable as a Filipino. We Filipinos are not like that,” he said.

Lacson added that he was “disappointed” in Imee’s decision to air such allegations — regardless of whether they are true — during the Iglesia ni Cristo event.

“I am disappointed with Sen. Marcos’ action. She could have done this in another forum, but not to make accusations whether true or not in front of hundreds of thousands of people,” he said.

He also suggested that political motives may be driving the public attacks.

“Politics, nothing else. Why discredit your own brother in front of hundreds of thousands of people?” Lacson said.

The episode has further exposed tensions within the Marcos family at a time of heightened political friction, raising questions about how the ongoing rift may affect public perception and governance.