MANILA — Sen. Imee Marcos announced on Saturday that she will “stand alone” in the lead-up to the 2025 midterm elections but did not explicitly state whether she will officially withdraw from the administration’s “Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas 2025” senatorial slate, led by her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The senator released her statement two days after the Alyansa slate’s launch, an event she notably missed despite being organized by her brother, the President.
“I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Bongbong, who, despite the harsh criticisms and cruelty from some quarters, stood by me and included me in the alliance,” Sen. Marcos said in her statement.
“I chose to stand alone so that my ading (younger brother) will no longer be placed in a difficult position, and my true friends won’t have to hesitate,” she added, without elaborating on what may have caused the President to face a difficult situation.
Sen. Marcos also drew inspiration from their father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., whose 35th death anniversary coincided with her statement’s release. “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,” she remarked.
“I choose to remain free and loyal—not to any group, but to every Filipino,” the senator added.
Alyansa campaign manager Toby Tiangco affirmed the coalition’s continued support for Sen. Marcos, stating, “Alyansa will continue supporting Sen. Imee to ensure the success of President Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s legislative agenda for inclusive progress and a better future for all.”
“Sen. Imee Marcos has our utmost respect and admiration, especially for her advocacy and track record in public service,” Tiangco said, underscoring the coalition’s belief in her ability to serve Filipinos faithfully.
Sen. Marcos, who is seeking re-election, has openly expressed her support and friendship with Vice President Sara Duterte, even after Duterte’s departure from President Marcos Jr.’s Cabinet. The senator has strongly opposed impeachment rumors against the Vice President and advocated for reinstating Duterte’s security detail after a reduction in her protection force.
Despite their continued alliance, Vice President Duterte has stated she would “never again” collaborate with the Marcos family, following her resignation as Education Secretary in mid-June. She has also openly criticized House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, the Marcos family’s cousin, accusing him of manipulating the annual budget and using the House to launch political attacks against her.