MANILA, Philippines (November 18, 2025)— Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon has intensified his criticism of Sen. Imee Marcos, accusing her not only of having a “bagman” involved in alleged questionable Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects in Ilocos, but also of damaging the reputation of her own family.
In a strongly worded statement, Gadon said he had been informed by media contacts that the individual allegedly linked to the senator’s DPWH projects in the region “may soon come forward.” He added that Curlee and Sarah Discaya, whom he identified as campaign donors of the senator, were also connected to the controversy.
“It is disappointing that Senator Imee Marcos is damaging not only President Bongbong Marcos but the entire Marcos family name,” Gadon said, noting that the family had struggled for decades to rebuild public trust.
“For more than 30 years, their name was attacked. But the Filipino people eventually saw the truth and elected President Bongbong Marcos to correct the narrative and help the country move forward.”
Gadon slammed the senator’s previous claim that the President used illegal drugs, as well as remarks suggesting that First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos married him to “straighten out his life.”
“That is a big lie,” he said. “We should not belittle the love of First Lady Liza for the President. She stood by him during the most difficult years, long before he returned to public office.”
He also questioned why Imee, whom he called a friend, would publicly attack her brother.
“Why destroy your own family name? Is it because your bagman in the DPWH is reportedly about to talk? Media circles say it’s only a matter of time,” Gadon claimed.
Gadon further alleged that the senator was angry at the President for not granting her preferred government appointments.
“If you have issues with your brother, keep it within the family. Do not involve the Filipino people. Do not drag the country into this,” he said.
The presidential adviser accused the senator of attempting to destabilize the administration for political reasons.
“Who suffers from destabilization? The Filipino people,” he said. “You are hurting the country. Think carefully, Imee.”
He also alleged that the senator’s actions were connected to her political plans.
“You are attacking the President so you can run as vice president under Sara Duterte’s ticket,” Gadon claimed. “Why side with individuals accused of corruption? Flood control anomalies were exposed only because of President Marcos’ efforts.”
Gadon went on to say that fears of accountability were motivating those who want the President to resign.
“You are afraid of corruption cases. You are afraid of being cornered,” he said. “Only a handful want the President to step down. The overwhelming majority still support President Bongbong Marcos.”
He dismissed the drug allegations against Marcos as an old narrative that voters had already rejected.
“That issue is a broken tune,” Gadon said. “Despite all the attacks, the people elected him with over 31 million votes—the first majority president in our history.”
Gadon ended his statement by calling on Marcos supporters and loyalists to stand firm.
“We will not allow this kind of destabilization. The Filipino people believe our country is on a clearer path today. Senator Imee should think hard about what she is doing.”