STA. ROSA, Laguna — For the second time, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did not acknowledge his sister, Senator Imee Marcos, while endorsing the Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas’ Senate candidates on Saturday.
Marcos Jr. Highlights 11 Candidates, Skips Imee
During the rally, Marcos Jr. emphasized that the coalition has 11 senatorial candidates, leading to further speculation that Imee may no longer be fully aligned with the group.
“Let us unite for our alliance. Let us not turn the Alyansa into a coalition of ten, 11 persons, 11 candidates running for senator with the Alyansa,” he told the crowd.
Imee was not present at the event, similar to the previous day’s campaign rally in Trece Martires, Cavite, where the president also did not mention her name.
Possible Rift Over Duterte’s Arrest?
Imee is one of three administration candidates who were reportedly unsettled by the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
However, while Sen. Pia Cayetano and Rep. Camille Villar—who also expressed concerns—were still acknowledged by Marcos Jr., Imee remained absent from his speech.
Imee Responds to the Omission
When asked about being left out, Imee brushed off the issue, stating:
“It’s okay, after all, I already said that I would focus on investigating the illegal events that took place when former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was taken.”
She reiterated that her priority is looking into Duterte’s extradition, questioning why the government allowed a Filipino citizen to be surrendered to a foreign institution.
No Official Confirmation on Imee’s Status
Despite Marcos Jr.’s continued silence on Imee, Alyansa campaign manager Toby Tiangco assured that there are no discussions about removing any candidate from the slate.
Meanwhile, Villar, who missed the last two rallies due to illness, was spotted campaigning in Caloocan City over the weekend.
