MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte is the “single biggest influencing voice” on the country’s push for the legalization of medical marijuana and he could have influenced Miss Universe Catriona Gray’s stance on the issue, Malacañang said Monday.

During the question and answer portion of the 2018 Miss Universe pageant in Thailand, Gray said she was in favor of legalizing marijuana for medical use and not for recreational purposes.

Sought for comment, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said “her position is an adoption of the Palace’s stand.”

“Other than the people’s, there can be no greater voice than the President. The single biggest influencing voice is the President,” Panelo said in a text message to INQUIRER.net.

The Palace official said Gray’s position might have been influenced by the President.

“It is the President that influenced her position or it may be the result of her own study after listening to various arguments pro and con,” he said.

Gray bagged the 2018 Miss Universe title early Monday. She is the fourth Filipina to clinch the Miss Universe crown after Pia Wurtzbach won in 2015, Margie Moran in 1973, and Gloria Diaz in 1969. /kga