Imee Marcos Omits Brother in Proclamation Speech
Senator Imee Marcos, who recently secured a new mandate in the elections, surprisingly did not mention her brother, President Marcos, during her proclamation speech on May 17. Despite this, she made sure to express gratitude to her mother, former first lady Imelda Marcos, as well as former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte.
During the event held at the Manila Hotel Tent, Senator Marcos told reporters, “Ay, nakalimutan ko na (Oops, I forgot)” when asked why she left out her brother’s name. This notable omission comes amid recent tensions between the siblings over the handling of former President Duterte’s arrest and turnover to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Political Rift and New Alliances
The senator’s speech reflected a clear shift in political alliances. In recent political advertisements, she stated that the Philippines is no longer under the control of the Marcos family but rather influenced by the Romualdez and Araneta families. This refers to House Speaker Martin Romualdez and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
Originally, Senator Marcos was part of the president-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate. However, she later distanced herself from this coalition and became an adopted candidate of the pro-Duterte “DuterTen” group. Her close personal friendship and strong support for Vice President Sara Duterte also contrast with the public falling out between Sara Duterte and President Marcos, who were allies during the 2022 elections.
Gratitude Expressed to Family and Dutertes
Senator Marcos began her two-minute speech by thanking her mother and the Dutertes. She said, “[Maraming salamat] sa aking nanay na… 96 years old na at kasama ng aking mga anak na kailan man na di nagdududa na ako’y manalalo (I want to express my gratitude to my mother, who is now 96 years old and now joins my children here. She never doubted my victory).”
She continued, “[Maraming salamat din] kay Presidente Duterte, ang aking dating pangulo, na Oktubre pa lamang itinaas na ang aking kamay. At sa kanyang anak, na hanggang sa huling sandali, si VP Inday Duterte ay ako’y kinakampanya (I would also like to thank President Duterte, my former president, who already raised my hand as early as October, and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who had campaigned for me until the very end).”
Implications of the Speech and Political Dynamics
This development highlights the shifting political landscape within the Marcos family and their allies. Sources familiar with the matter suggest that the senator’s omission signals deeper divisions amid ongoing political disagreements. The evolving alliances between influential families and political figures continue to shape the country’s future.
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