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Maricel Soriano denies knowledge of drug allegations in unverified PDEA documents
By Cynthia Montojo
“Nagtataka ako dahil lahat ng tumestigo dito ay sinabing hindi naverify ang information ni Mr. Morales at walang imbestigasyon na naganap…pasensya na kung nalilito ako dito,” Veteran actress Maricel Soriano denied having any knowledge of supposed documents by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) allegedly linking her and the president to illegal substance abuse, saying that she is also “confused” on why she was invited to Senate hearing based on unverified document.
Facing Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, visibly nervous Maricel also denied having used cocaine in the past, refuting 2011 news report said her two former household workers had fled her condominium unit allegedly due to her drug use.
Senate hearing aimed to determine authenticity of two supposed “leaked” PDEA documents recently shared by blogger Maharlika, known purveyor of dis- and mis-information who has consistently engaged in influence operations against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Unverified documents dated March 11, 2012 supposedly detail anti-illegal drug operations conducted by the PDEA against one “Bongbong Marcos” and Soriano.
Public accusations of illegal drug use in the Philippines are dangerous as these potentially place individuals at risk of violence or extrajudicial killings. Even if unproven, public speculation and insinuations individual abuses illegal drugs contribute to stigma of substance abuse, only effectively tackled as public health issue.
During hearing, Maricel has no knowledge of alleged PDEA documents. “Hindi ako nagbabasa ng mga ganyan,I don’t read those things,” the actress said.
Responding to a question by Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa, Maricel admitted to owning condominium unit 46-C Rizal Tower in Makati City, allegedly has links to former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency intelligence offer Jonathan Morales.
Actress said she sold condominium unit in 2012 and agreed to provide Dela Rosa with documents for deed of sale later.
Maricel spoke and was spoken to for six minutes out of three-hour hearing, was also asked by Dela Rosa to “set record straight” on her alleged cocaine use and “abuse” of her two former household workers.
Dela Rosa who cited news reports but did not state from which publication asked whether it is true that actress’ two household workers left her condominium unit due to her use of illegal drugs.
Maricel denied allegation and said her two former helpers left because they allegedly stole from her.
The actress also denied allegations that she abused them, saying: “Paano ko naman po bubugbugin, dalawa sila.”
Reading from her prepared speech, Maricel is confused as to why she has been invited to the hearing even as alleged document claiming drug allegations against her remains unverified.
PDEA chief Moro Virgilio Lazo said in earlier Senate hearing there are “no such documents” in PDEA that link Marcos and Soriano to illegal drug use.
Meanwhile, Morales has claimed documents are authentic, saying he prepared and signed them before. Dela Rosa also insists that alleged leaked documents are not fake.
Last week, Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (Surigao del Norte) accused Senate panel of instigating “drama” by asking Morales to show up and testify about unconfirmed PDEA documents.
Barbers, chairs House dangerous drugs committee, called Morales “dishonorably dismissed” PDEA officer with “very shady past” as a police officer, and later, PDEA agent.
House lawmaker said Barbers was dismissed from PDEA in 2013 due to “grave misconduct, dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to best interest of service.”
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