MANILA, Philippines – Reelectionist Senator Imee Marcos announced she will no longer campaign with the administration-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, citing differences in principles following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In a statement on Monday, March 25, Marcos criticized the government’s handling of Duterte’s arrest, questioning the use of executive privilege and the sub judice rule during a recent Senate hearing. She said these actions raised suspicion that constitutional rights were disregarded. “A deliberate effort to obscure the truth only gives rise to ever greater suspicion that our sovereignty has been diminished,” she said.
Marcos, sister of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., said she could no longer stand on the same platform as Alyansa candidates. “Clearly, there were actions taken by the administration that run counter to my ideals and principles,” she said. Reaffirming her independence, she stressed that the country’s sovereignty and true justice must take precedence over political alliances.