Marcos on sister’s decision to run independently: ‘That’s her choice’

FILE PHOTO: Senator Imee Marcos and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. | PHOTOS: Senate PRIB, Official Facebook page of Bongbong Marcos

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. seemed to have no problem with his sister Senator Imee Marcos’ decision to refuse to be part of his senatorial slate for the 2025 elections, saying it was “her choice.”

“That’s fine. That happens. I’ve run as an independent myself, many times. And so that is her choice,” the President said in a chance interview in Tarlac.

“I suppose that gives her a little bit more scope and freedom to make her own schedule and campaign in the way that she would like to do,” he added.

READ: Marcos bares 12 admin senatorial bets for 2025 polls

The President also said his political alliance, the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, will continue to support Imee’s senatorial bid.

“And if down the road she chooses to join us in our campaign sorties, she is, of course, very welcome,” he said.

Last Sept. 26, the President announced the administration’s 12 senatorial candidates for the 2025 elections.

Since then, however, two candidates have backed out from the shortlist: Imee, who said she “chose to stand alone” so her brother “will no longer be put in a difficult position” and former Senator Panfilo Lacson who clarified that he is also running independently and is merely a “guest candidate” of the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

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

READ: Lacson to run as independent in 2025 senatorial elections