Sen. Imee Marcos on 2025 reelection bid: ‘I choose to stand alone’

Sen. Imee Marcos (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Imee Marcos thanked her brother, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., for including her in the administration’s senatorial slate for 2025 elections, but said she “chose to stand alone” so her brother “will no longer be put in a difficult position.”

In a statement on Saturday, Marcos thanked the president for including her in the alliance and for coming to her defense “despite the anger and extreme cruelty of some.”

READ: Marcos admin bares Senate slate; VP Duterte ‘ready to mingle’

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1987442/admin-bares-senate-slate-sara-ready-to-mingle

“Many thanks also to NP [Nacionalista Party] and to all my allies who continue to support me, may your trust remain with me,” she also said.

However, the senator said she “choose to remain free and loyal—not to any group, but to every Filipino.”

She also mentioned their father, former president and dictator Marcos Sr., whose death anniversary is being remembered on September 28.

“Today marks the 35th year since my father passed away, but his teachings remain alive in my heart. As his eldest, I choose to stand free and firm, like him; in believing that there should be no allegiance but to the Filipino people,” she pointed out.

The senator did not specifically say if she is formally withdrawing from the administration’s senatorial slate.

“It is never easy to stand alone, in campaigns and in politics. But that is the legacy my father left me, that is the legacy of Apo Lakay whom we remember today,” she said.

“I chose to stand alone so that my ading will no longer be put in a difficult position, and my true friends won’t have to hesitate,” she added, referring to the President.

In a separate statement, Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas campaign manager Rep. Toby Tiangco said he respects and admires the senator, especially her advocacy and track record in public service.

“Naniniwala ang Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas sa kakayahan niyang maglingkod nang tapat sa mga Pilipino,” he said.

(The Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas believes in her ability to serve the Filipino people with integrity.)

“Patuloy na susuporta ang Alyansa kay Sen. Imee para sa tagumpay ng legislative agenda ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos Jr. para sa kaunlarang walang maiiwan at para sa magandang kinabukasan nating lahat,” Tiangco added.

(The Alliance will continue to support Senator Imee Marcos for the success of President Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s legislative agenda, aimed at inclusive development and a better future for all of us.

Last September 26, President Marcos announced the 12 senatorial candidates he is endorsing for the 2025 elections.

The Marcos administration’s senatorial slate are members of the newly-formed political coalition “Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas.”

• Senator (reelectionist) Imee Marcos
• Interior Sec. Benhur Abalos Jr.
• Makati City Mayor Abby Binay
• Senator (reelectionist) Pia Cayetano
• Senator (reelectionist) Lito Lapid
• ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo
• Senator (reelectionist) Francis Tolentino
• Former Senator Manny Pacquiao
• Former Senate President Tito Sotto
• Senator (reelectionist) Bong Revilla
• Former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson
• Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar