Duterte may have influenced Catriona Gray’s stance on use of marijuana for medical reasons, says Palace

December 17, 2018

Malacanang said on Monday that Miss Universe Catriona Gray's position on the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes could have been influenced by the position of President Rodrigo Duterte.

In a text message, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Gray's stance could have been reached also after weighing the good and bad things about the use of marijuana.

"Catriona Gray's position on the legalization of marijuana for healing purposes could have been influenced by PRRD's (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte) stand on the matter or she could have come up with that conclusion after considering the pros and cons of the issue," he said.

"She is the only one who can answer whether or not she was influenced by PRRD," he added.

During the Question and Answer for the top five candidates for Miss Universe 2018 held in Thailand, Gray was asked about her opinion on the regularization of marijuana after Canada recently joined Uruguay as the second nation in the world to make marijuana legal.

The 24-year old Filipina-Australian said she is for the legalization of marijuana for medical use.

"I’m for it being used for medical use, but not so for recreational use. Because I think if people will argue then what about alcohol and cigarettes? Everything is good but in moderation," she said.

Gray is the fourth Filipino who won the prestigious title. Celerina Monte/DMS