Senator-elect Imee Marcos. RYAN LEAGOGO / INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — “Huwag na kayo matakot sa akin kasi hindi naman ako mapaghiganti.”
This was what Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos told her “bashers” and “haters” minutes before being proclaimed as senator on Wednesday.
She assured them that she would focus on her work once she sits in the Senate come June 30.
“Gagawa lang tayo ng trabaho,” Marcos told reporters in an interview at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
The senator-elect said she was already used to being “hit” with many issues, describing herself as a “punching bag.”
“Lagi naman akong hit with so many issues eh. Punching bag naman. Ayos lang. Sanay na ‘yung pamilya namin,” she said.
Among the issues plaguing the newly-elected senator is that of her educational background, which observers and critics are questioning.
However, despite being frequently “bashed,” she said she did not see her victory in the 2019 elections as a “vindication” for her and her family.
“Alam ninyo, ang dami na ng pinagdaanan namin. Hindi namin inaalala ‘yung vindication,” Marcos said.
She was accompanied by her mother, former Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos and former Senator Bongbong Marcos at the proclamation. (Editor: Cenon B. Bibe Jr.)