'Nalilito ako dito': Maricel Soriano denies knowledge of drug allegations in unverified PDEA documents

MANILA, Philippines — Veteran actress Maricel Soriano on Monday denied having any knowledge of supposed documents by the 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 a Senate hearing based on an unverified document.

Facing the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, a visibly nervous Soriano also denied having used cocaine in the past, refuting a 2011 news report that said her two former household workers had fled her condominium unit allegedly due to her drug use.

The Senate hearing on Monday aimed to determine the authenticity of two supposed "leaked" PDEA documents recently shared by blogger Maharlika, a known purveyor of dis- and mis-information who has consistently engaged in influence operations against President Marcos Jr. 

The 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 that an individual abuses illegal drugs contribute to the stigma of substance abuse, which is only effectively tackled as a public health issue. 

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During the hearing, Soriano said she has no knowledge of the 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, Soriano admitted to owning the condominium unit 46-C Rizal Tower in Makati City, which allegedly has links to former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency intelligence offer Jonathan Morales. 

The actress said she sold the condominium unit in 2012 and agreed to provide Dela Rosa with documents for the deed of sale later.

Soriano, who spoke and was spoken to for six minutes out of a three-hour hearing, was also asked by Dela Rosa to "set the record straight" on her alleged cocaine use and "abuse" of her two former