Marcos on sister Imee running as independent: ‘That’s fine’

Metro Manila, Philippines—President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. respects the decision of his sister Senator Imee Marcos to run as an independent candidate in the senatorial race.

“Yep, that's fine. That happens. I've run as an independent myself many times, and so that is her choice,” said Marcos in an interview with reporters in Tarlac.

The president running as an independent would allow his elder sister flexibility regarding her future campaign schedule.

“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 said.

Marcos said the administration coalition Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas will still support Imee’s candidacy.

“Alyansa is still behind her. We are still continuing to support her and if down the road she chooses to join us in our campaign sorties, she is, of course, very welcome,” said Marcos.

In a video message on Saturday, Imee thanked her brother for standing up against those who refused to include her in the administration’s Senate slate.

“Hindi madaling tumayong mag-isa, sa kampanya at sa pulitika,” said Imee.

[Translation: It's not easy to stand alone, in the campaign and in politics]

She added that she prefers to run as an independent so that her friends and her brother will no longer be in a difficult position. Imee has previously defended Vice President Sara Duterte and the Duterte family.

“Minabuti kong tumindig mag-isa upang huwag nang malagay sa alanganin ang aking ading, para wag nang mag-alinlangan ang aking mga tunay na kaibigan,” said Imee.

[Translation: I decided to stand alone so as not to put my brother in a difficult position and to avoid any hesitation from my true friends]