Senator Imee Marcos, often dubbed “Super Ate” (Super Big Sister) to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is an enigmatic figure in Philippine politics. While she has been a staunch supporter of her brother’s administration in many aspects, she has also taken positions that appear to challenge — or, at the very least, complicate — the official stance of Malacañang.
Her recent expression of frustration over the absence of executive officials in her Senate Committee on Foreign Relations’ second hearing — citing executive privilege as their reason — raises questions about her true role in the political chessboard. More notably, her strong defense of former President Rodrigo Duterte against the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigations further muddies the waters. Is she merely fulfilling her duty as a senator, or is she acting as a Trojan horse in the ongoing power struggles within the government?
At first glance, Imee Marcos’ dismay over the refusal of key executive officials to attend her committee’s hearing seems like a straightforward issue of legislative oversight. As a senator, she has the right — and arguably the obligation — to scrutinize the administration’s foreign policy and decisions, especially on crucial matters such as the ICC. However, given her familial ties to the president, this move is more than just a procedural matter. It has fueled speculation that her influence within the Marcos administration may not be as strong as assumed.
Her remarks underscore an apparent division between the executive and legislative branches — ironic, considering that both are helmed by the Marcos dynasty. While President Marcos Jr. has taken a cautious stance on international legal matters, his elder sister has been more vocal about her position. If she truly aligns with the administration, why would she openly criticize its lack of transparency? Could it be that she is positioning herself as a check-and-balance figure to distance herself from an administration criticized for being too soft or indecisive?
The irony of Imee Marcos defending Duterte against the ICC cannot be ignored. Duterte has been a strong critic of the Marcos family, particularly during the 2016 elections, when he dismissed the Marcoses’ return to power as a mistake. However, political alliances in the Philippines are fluid, often driven by pragmatism rather than ideology. By staunchly defending Duterte, is Imee aligning herself with the former president’s supporters to consolidate her own political capital? If so, does this put her at odds with her own brother, who must maintain a delicate balancing act between appeasing Duterte’s base and asserting his own governance?
Her role in the ICC debate also raises questions about her long-term ambitions. While Marcos Jr. has been largely noncommittal regarding the Philippines’ reengagement with the ICC, Imee has positioned herself as a protector of Duterte, arguing that the investigation undermines national sovereignty. This stance could endear her to Duterte’s loyalists, potentially paving the way for a future political alliance should the Marcos-Duterte relationship further deteriorate. Could she be subtly laying the groundwork for a post-Marcos Jr. political landscape where she emerges as a key figure?
Ultimately, whether Senator Imee Marcos is a loyal “Super Ate” or a political Trojan horse remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that she is a seasoned politician who understands the intricate dance of Philippine politics. Her moves are calculated, her statements strategic, and her role within the administration ambiguous enough to keep everyone guessing.
As the ICC issue continues to unfold, so too will the complex dynamics between the Marcoses, the Dutertes and the broader political arena.