Imee Marcos wants 2 committees but not ways and means

Incoming Senator Imee Marcos. RYAN LEAGOGO / INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Neophyte Senator Imee Marcos said she was interested in the chairmanships of two committees, but not the Senate committee on ways and means.

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III earlier said that Marcos was said to be eyeing the committee currently being headed by Senator Sonny Angara.

READ: Imee Marcos said to be eyeing Senate ways and means panel chairmanship

But Marcos said she was neither lobbying for any posts not told anyone anything.

“But they are saying that I want ways and means? Everyone is frightened,” she said over ABS-CBN News Channel on Thursday.

“I don’t think I’m bagay actually. Although I’ve been talking about 12 percent VAT (value-added tax) and bringing it down to get prices down, hindi ako marunong masyado sa tax and I have a knee-jerk reaction on any increases on tobacco obviously, Ilocana so baka hindi ako good choice dyan.”

Asked if she would decline the chairmanship of the committee if offered to her, Marcos said: “Perhaps. I think it’s not proper.”

“I know there are sin taxes involved and alam na nila kung ano ang sagot ko e so paano ko i-sponsor yun? Ayoko nun, tama na, dalawang beses na tinax…” she added.

Instead, Marcos said she would prefer to head the committee on local government, also being headed by Angara, and the committee on social justice, welfare and rural development, being chaired now by detained Senator Leila de Lima.

But she said she would only ask for the social justice committee if the chairmanship is vacant.

“I would like that if it’s bakante pero without rocking the boat because I know they are already having headaches with so many committees,” Marcos said. (Editor: Cenon B. Bibe Jr.)