Imee in or out? Senator uncertain of Alyansa ticket status

Senator Imee Marcos said Sunday she is uncertain whether she remains part of the administration's senatorial lineup, Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, following her omission from President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.’s campaign endorsements.

Speaking after attending a cooperative assembly in Pasig City on 23 March, Marcos downplayed her absence from the President’s endorsement speech in Laguna a day earlier, where only 11 out of 12 candidates were named. She was also left out during a previous rally, making it two consecutive events without a mention from her younger brother.

Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar, who was also absent from the Laguna sortie, was still acknowledged by the President during the event. Marcos, meanwhile, said she had not spoken to her brother about the matter.

“I don’t know. I haven’t asked, and we haven’t spoken. Honestly, it’s okay,” the senator said in Filipino.

Marcos explained that her focus is currently on the Senate inquiry into the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, which she initiated. She emphasized that the investigation, which she believes concerns national sovereignty, is of greater urgency than electoral concerns.

“I’m concentrating on the case and our hearing — what our findings will be. That’s where my attention is because what’s at stake is the sovereignty of our country. That feels more important and more nerve-wracking than elections or politics,” she said.

Marcos also revealed that Alyansa campaign manager Rep. Toby Tiangco of Navotas has not reached out to her.

Nonetheless, Marcos clarified that she has not officially withdrawn from the slate.

“No action has been taken. But if you remember, I’ve said from the beginning that I’m running as an independent. I had a sense that things might go wrong, and I didn’t want to be caught up in any conflict,” she said.

When asked how she would respond if the administration formally removed her from its slate, Marcos simply replied, “That’s okay. I’ve already put that out of my mind. The campaign isn’t my top concern anymore.”