STA. ROSA, Laguna — For the second straight time, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. left out his sister, Senator Imee Marcos, while endorsing the Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas’ senatorial lineup during a campaign rally on Saturday.
Only 11 Candidates Mentioned
Speaking before supporters, Marcos Jr. repeatedly referred to the administration’s slate as having 11 senatorial candidates, further fueling speculation that Imee may no longer be part of the group’s core lineup.
“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,” the president said.
Imee was noticeably absent from the event, just as she was during the previous day’s campaign rally in Trece Martires, Cavite, where her name was also not mentioned.
Tension Over Duterte’s Arrest?
Imee is one of three senatorial candidates from the administration’s ticket who were reportedly unhappy about the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
However, unlike Imee, Sen. Pia Cayetano and Rep. Camille Villar—who also expressed concerns over Duterte’s detention—were still acknowledged by Marcos Jr., even though Villar was not at the rally.
Imee Shrugs Off the Issue
Asked about her brother’s omission of her name, Imee dismissed any controversy, saying:
“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 her commitment to looking into Duterte’s extradition, questioning the government’s decision to turn over a Filipino citizen to an international tribunal.
No Official Changes to the Senate Slate
The Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas originally fielded the following senatorial candidates:
- Imee Marcos
- Camille Villar
- Pia Cayetano
- Former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos
- Makati City Mayor Abby Binay
- Sens. Ramon Revilla Jr., Lito Lapid, and Francis Tolentino
- Former Sens. Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao, and Vicente Sotto III
- ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo
Despite Marcos Jr.’s continued silence regarding Imee’s status, Alyansa campaign manager Toby Tiangco assured that there are no plans to remove anyone from the lineup.
Meanwhile, Villar, who had missed the past two rallies due to illness, was seen actively campaigning in Caloocan City over the weekend.
