Imelda falls onstage after speech

CEBU, Philippines - Former first lady Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos fell after she slipped onstage after her speech at the Capitol yesterday during the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the provinces of Albay and South Cotabato.

Marcos, 82, widow of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, was supposed to render a song “Matud Nila” after her speech when she slipped.

The incident stunned the audience but her family including her son Sen. Bongbong Marcos, daughter Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, her grandchildren and others quickly rushed to the stage, which was carpeted, to help her up.

After she had recovered, she was still able to sing the song with Deputy Speaker Pablo Garcia.

“Matud Nila” was followed by a second song, “Malipayon Ang Takna” which she sang with Imee and Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Imelda said in jest that she is still young and strong and she was fine after the incident.

Bongbong also told reporters that his mother is fine and it was just an accident as she did not see the step in the platform.

“Kumanta pa eh, so she must be okay...she is alright,” Bongbong said.

Prior to the incident, the delegation watched live the presentation of the dancing inmates at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center. They then went to the Capitol for lunch and witnessed the signing of MOA of partnership between the provinces of South Cotabato and Albay.   

The Marcoses led the delegation to Cebu as part of their commitment to visit their sister province.

Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas, Vice Governor Angelo Barba, Provincial Board members, mayors and barangay captains also joined the delegation of around 80 members.

In her speech, Imelda thanked Governor Garcia for the warm welcome they received. She was impressed how local leaders, whom she described as smart leaders, are working together.

“If we cannot hope from national government, they can do it on their own and unite themselves for the better life of the people,” Imelda said.

The delegation also watched the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival of Festivals last night at the Cebu International Convention Center. (FREEMAN)