Imee to ‘stand alone’ in her reelection bid

MANILA, Philippines —  While grateful to be part of her brother’s Senate slate for the 2025 mid-term polls, Sen. Imee Marcos said she’d rather campaign alone for her reelection bid.

“I offer my heartfelt gratitude to President Bongbong who, despite the anger and extreme cruelty of some, came to my defense and included me in the alliance,” Imee said, referring to the coalition among the President’s own Partido Federal ng Pilipinas and the Nationalist People’s Coalition, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, Nacionalista Party (NP), and National Unity Party under the “Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas.”

The “Alyansa,” in response, said it will continue to support the senator, who is a member of NP.

“Many thanks also to NP and to all my allies who continue to support me, may your trust remain with me,” she added.

“It is never easy to stand alone, in campaigns and in politics. I chose to stand alone so that my ading will no longer be put in a difficult position, and my true friends won’t have to hesitate,” the senator said, referring to her brother by a term of endearment among Ilocanos.

“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 maintained.

Her pronouncement apparently explained her absence during the official launch of the administration senatorial slate in Pasay City last Thursday.

She was also apparently taking a swipe at critics who she believed were sowing intrigue because of her closeness to Vice President Sara Duterte.

Senate President Francis Escudero said he would rather not intervene in the Marcos family drama.

“I respect Sen. Marcos’ decision. But I would rather not get in the middle and instead watch from the sidelines,” Escudero said in a dwIZ interview yesterday.

Senate minority leader Aquilino Pimentel III said he would rather “respect her freedom of association.”

“It is her right to choose not to be seen publicly with the slate she was included in,” Pimentel said.

In a statement, Alyansa campaign manager and Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco said the alliance has “high respect and administration” for Imee, especially when it comes to her advocacies and track record in public service.

Tiangco maintained their alliance strongly believes that Marcos has the quality and determination to serve the Filipino people.

“Our alliance will continue to support Sen. Imee to ensure the success of the legislative agenda of President Bongbong Marcos toward inclusive growth and better future for everyone,” he said. - Sheila Crisostomo