Imee rebuffs admin alliance, to run as independent
(UPDATES) SEN. Imee Marcos on Saturday backed out from the administration Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas and said she would seek reelection in the 2025 elections as an independent. "Today marks the 35th year since my father passed away, but his teachings remain alive in my heart. As his eldest, I choose to stand free and firm, like him, in believing that there should be no allegiance but to the Filipino people," she said in a video message posted on her Facebook page. The move was a rebuff of the alliance spearheaded and supported by her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. "It is never easy to stand alone in campaigns and politics... But that is the legacy my father left me, the legacy of 'Apo Lakay' whom we remember today... I chose to stand alone so that my 'adding' (sibling) would no longer be put in a difficult position, and my true friends won't hesitate." "I choose to remain free and loyal—not to any group but to every Filipino. Armed with my achievements for the nation in the past term, the laws I dedicated for the people, the truth that I never strayed from, and the path and principles of my father — To serve every Filipino without favor, except for the welfare of every citizen. I hope for your continued understanding and love," she said. Imee thanked his brother, President Marcos, for including her in the senatorial slate under the administration's Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas. "I express my sincere gratitude to President Bongbong, who came to my defense despite some people's anger and extreme cruelty and included me in the alliance. Many thanks also to NP and all my allies who support me. May your trust remain with me," she said at the start of her message. On Thursday, President Marcos announced the 12 senatorial aspirants of the administration coalition for the 2025 elections, including his elder sister, Imee. Under Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, the lineup is made up of five reelectionist senators, three former senators, two House lawmakers, one mayor and one Cabinet official. Only the President's sister, Imee, was absent during the announcement. The President said his sister could not make it because she was busy "campaigning" elsewhere. Imee is a strong supporter of the Dutertes, who have increasingly attacked the President, with former president Rodrigo Duterte accusing him of being a drug addict. Vice President Sara Duterte, his daughter, is in conflict with Speaker Martin Romualdez, who leads one of the coalition members, Lakas-CMD. Senator Marcos had stated earlier that she would not allow anyone, including her cousin Romualdez, to undermine her family's chance at redemption through his "deceptive" push for Charter change. She emphasized that her conflict with Romualdez over the recent Charter change was not just a family dispute but a matter concerning the republic, the Constitution, and the essence of democracy in the country. Marcos said she would oppose anyone advocating for this change, whether a relative or not. The Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas said it respected Senator Marcos's decision to run as an independent. In a statement, Alyansa campaign manager and Navotas Rep. Tobias Tiangco said they still have "huge respect and admiration" for Marcos, especially for her advocacies and public service track record. "The Alliance believes in her ability to serve faithfully for Filipinos," Tiangco said in Filipino. He said that they would continue to support Imee to further their aim for a successful legislative agenda of President Marcos, where no one will be left behind. Earlier, the President, too, paid tribute to his late father, pledging to continue his legacy. In a Facebook post, Marcos recalled his promise to honor his father by continuing what he started and did for the Filipinos and the country. "My father lived in service to our country. He advocated for development, justice, unity and nationalism. Above all his beliefs was his faith in the Filipino people," Marcos said. "Thirty-five years ago, I made a promise to honor his life's work by building on this foundation. In some way, I hope that I have made you proud, Dad. We miss you every day," he added. Marcos Sr. died in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Sept. 28, 1989, at 72, after being deposed by the People Power Revolution of 1986.
Tomas Kauer - Moderator 
(UPDATES) SEN. Imee Marcos on Saturday backed out from the administration Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas and said she would seek reelection in the 2025 elections as an independent.
"Today marks the 35th year since my father passed away, but his teachings remain alive in my heart. As his eldest, I choose to stand free and firm, like him, in believing that there should be no allegiance but to the Filipino people," she said in a video message posted on her Facebook page.
The move was a rebuff of the alliance spearheaded and supported by her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
"It is never easy to stand alone in campaigns and politics... But that is the legacy my father left me, the legacy of 'Apo Lakay' whom we remember today... I chose to stand alone so that my 'adding' (sibling) would no longer be put in a difficult position, and my true friends won't hesitate."
"I choose to remain free and loyal—not to any group but to every Filipino. Armed with my achievements for the nation in the past term, the laws I dedicated for the people, the truth that I never strayed from, and the path and principles of my father — To serve every Filipino without favor, except for the welfare of every citizen. I hope for your continued understanding and love," she said.
Imee thanked his brother, President Marcos, for including her in the senatorial slate under the administration's Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas.
"I express my sincere gratitude to President Bongbong, who came to my defense despite some people's anger and extreme cruelty and included me in the alliance. Many thanks also to NP and all my allies who support me. May your trust remain with me," she said at the start of her message.
On Thursday, President Marcos announced the 12 senatorial aspirants of the administration coalition for the 2025 elections, including his elder sister, Imee.
Under Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, the lineup is made up of five reelectionist senators, three former senators, two House lawmakers, one mayor and one Cabinet official.
Only the President's sister, Imee, was absent during the announcement. The President said his sister could not make it because she was busy "campaigning" elsewhere.
Imee is a strong supporter of the Dutertes, who have increasingly attacked the President, with former president Rodrigo Duterte accusing him of being a drug addict. Vice President Sara Duterte, his daughter, is in conflict with Speaker Martin Romualdez, who leads one of the coalition members, Lakas-CMD.
Senator Marcos had stated earlier that she would not allow anyone, including her cousin Romualdez, to undermine her family's chance at redemption through his "deceptive" push for Charter change.
She emphasized that her conflict with Romualdez over the recent Charter change was not just a family dispute but a matter concerning the republic, the Constitution, and the essence of democracy in the country.
Marcos said she would oppose anyone advocating for this change, whether a relative or not.
The Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas said it respected Senator Marcos's decision to run as an independent.
In a statement, Alyansa campaign manager and Navotas Rep. Tobias Tiangco said they still have "huge respect and admiration" for Marcos, especially for her advocacies and public service track record.
"The Alliance believes in her ability to serve faithfully for Filipinos," Tiangco said in Filipino.
He said that they would continue to support Imee to further their aim for a successful legislative agenda of President Marcos, where no one will be left behind.
Earlier, the President, too, paid tribute to his late father, pledging to continue his legacy.
In a Facebook post, Marcos recalled his promise to honor his father by continuing what he started and did for the Filipinos and the country.
"My father lived in service to our country. He advocated for development, justice, unity and nationalism. Above all his beliefs was his faith in the Filipino people," Marcos said.
"Thirty-five years ago, I made a promise to honor his life's work by building on this foundation. In some way, I hope that I have made you proud, Dad. We miss you every day," he added.
Marcos Sr. died in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Sept. 28, 1989, at 72, after being deposed by the People Power Revolution of 1986.
