Palace Denies President Marcos’ Role in Vice President Sara’s Hostage Claim
Malacañang swiftly responded after Vice President Sara Duterte described Senator Imee Marcos as her “hostage” amid efforts to bring former President Rodrigo Duterte back to the Philippines. The Palace clarified that President Marcos has no involvement in the agreement between the vice president and the senator.
During her Independence Day speech in Kuala Lumpur, Vice President Sara Duterte humorously referred to Senator Imee Marcos as her “hostage,” saying she always brings her to engagements. She added that Senator Marcos would be the one to bring her father home, recalling that it was President Marcos who facilitated former President Duterte’s travel to the Hague.
Vice President Sara joked she would only release Senator Imee once their father returns to Davao. However, Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro firmly stated that President Marcos is “not privy” to any contract or agreement between the two.
“Ito ba iyong binanggit niya na hostage niya, si Senator Imee Marcos. Well, iyan po ay kasunduan ng dalawa, ng Bise Presidente at ni Senator Imee Marcos. Ang Pangulo ay walang partisipasyon sa kanilang naging kasunduan,” Castro said during a briefing on June 13. She added, “Walang kinalaman ang Pangulo sa kontratang kanilang pinasukan, iyong isang tao na manggagamit at isang taong willing magpagamit.”
President Marcos Focused on National Issues Amid Controversy
Castro emphasized that President Marcos remains focused on his duties, particularly addressing the ongoing power crisis in Siquijor. She said the President’s attention has not wavered despite the political stir caused by the vice president’s remarks.
“At ang nais lang po natin sana ay ang Pangulo po kasi ang sinabi niya at tuloy-tuloy siya sa kanyang pagtatrabaho, focus sa trabaho. Nadagdag pa nga po ang problema dito sa Siquijor,” Castro noted.
Without naming names, Castro hinted that if Vice President Sara had communicated with “her friend,” the worsening power situation in Siquijor might have been avoided. “At kung ang Bise Presidente lamang sana ay nakipag-usap sa kanyang kaibigan, baka hindi pa dumaan at dumating sa krisis na ito sa Siquijor,” she added.
Context Behind the “Hostage” Remark
The four-word keyphrase “Vice President Sara hostage” captures the heart of this political exchange. The vice president’s playful yet pointed comment about Senator Imee highlights the complex family and political dynamics at play as the Dutertes seek to bring their patriarch back.
Meanwhile, the Palace seeks to distance President Marcos from the arrangement, insisting he remains uninvolved and focused on pressing national matters. This narrative aims to clarify the president’s position amid swirling rumors and political drama.
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