Imee Marcos reiterates all-out support for Sara Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Imee Marcos again declared her solid support for Vice President Sara Duterte, who recently quit all her Cabinet duties under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“Paulit-ulit lang naman na anuman ang mangyari, ang aking paniniwala at pagmamahal para kay Vice President Sara ay mananatili. Anumang laban, anumang hakbang, anumang hinaharap ako’y kasama niya,” Marcos told reporters in an ambush interview Monday.

(I’ve been saying this repeatedly that whatever happens, my faith and love for Vice President Sara will remain. Whatever fight, step, or she faces, I am with her.)

On June 19, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced that Duterte resigned as a member of the Marcos Cabinet, Education chief, and vice chairperson of the National Task Force to End Lodcal Communist Armed Conflict.

Malacañang said Duterte did not indicate her reasons for resigning, and that President Marcos has accepted her resignation.

In a subsequent press briefing, Duterte explained that her resignation was not a sign of weakness but a sign of compassion for teachers and students.

READ: Imee Marcos to back Rodrigo Duterte ‘…even if I’m the only one left’

Reported cracks in Uniteam, which was formed by Marcos and Duterte, as well as in the relationship of the two families became apparent early this year when former President Rodrigo Duterte criticized his successor.

Vice President Duterte’s brother and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte likewise challenged Marcos to step down as the nation’s top leader “if he did not have love for his country.”

The tension between the two camps grew further after former President Duterte accused incumbent President Marcos of being a drug addict.

But President Marcos clapped back, “I think it’s the fentanyl” speaking, even noting his predecessor’s dependence on the analgesic drug which must be “affect[ing]” him by now.