MISLEADING: Claire Castro’s remarks on Marcos’ alleged drug use and claims of her resignation

A video circulating on Facebook features Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer (PPO) Claire Castro commenting on President Marcos Jr.’s use of marijuana and fentanyl. 

CLAIM:

The video claims that Marcos admitted to using marijuana and abusing fentanyl and that Castro resigned as PCO undersecretary and PPO before making the remarks.

RATING:

MISLEADING

CONCLUSION:

It edits Castro’s remarks to paint her as accusing Marcos Jr. of using marijuana and abusing fentanyl, when she was actually referring to former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. While Castro tendered a courtesy resignation, it was not accepted, and she remains as PPO.

THE FACTS:

• On September 11, 2026, Palace Press Officer and PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro responded to allegations Vice President Sara Duterte made against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. during a press briefing in India. Castro countered by citing statements made by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte about his own past drug use. Her remarks referred to the former president, not Marcos Jr. 
• Castro said, “Inamin mismo ni dating Pangulong Duterte, Pangulo na siya, na siya’y gumagamit ng marijuana. At inamin niya rin na ang paggamit niya ng fentanyl ay inabuso niya dahil masarap daw ‘yung pakiramdam, ‘cloud nine’ ang feeling.”
• The circulating video removes the context identifying Rodrigo Duterte as the subject, making it appear that Castro was accusing Marcos Jr. of using marijuana and abusing fentanyl. The original footage does not support this interpretation. 
• The video’s overlay implies that Castro resigned before the remarks were made. Although she and other PCO officials submitted courtesy resignations following a leadership change, PCO Secretary Lino Cayetano confirmed on October 23, 2026, that Castro would remain as Palace Press Officer. She did not leave her post.

BOTTOMLINE:

Castro’s remarks were about former President Rodrigo Duterte, not Marcos Jr. She also retained her post despite tendering a courtesy resignation, contrary to the impression created by the video.