Metro Manila, Philippines – Senator Imee Marcos has denied claims of a supposed term-sharing agreement between her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Vice President Sara Duterte — an allegation raised by supposed Duterte bagman Ramil Madriaga during an impeachment hearing.
“Sinungaling ka, Madriaga [Madriaga, you’re a liar],” Marcos said in a press conference on Wednesday, April 15.
Marcos recalled events leading to the 2022 presidential elections, when she coined the term “UniTeam” for the Marcos-Duterte tandem. She said term-sharing was not discussed.
She also called on the president to set the record straight and correct what she described as Madriaga’s false statements.
“Bongbong, Pangulong Marcos, alam mo ang katotohanan, nandon ka magkasama tayo. Kung hindi mo ito ipinag-uutos, walang dahilan para hindi mo itama ang kasinungalingan na ito. Wag mong kunsintihin ang mga pultiikong ginagamit ang sinungaling na si Madriaga,” the presidential sister said.
[Translation: Bongbong, President Marcos, you know the truth — you were there, we were together. If you did not order this, there is no reason for you not to correct this lie. Do not tolerate politicians who are using a liar like Madriaga.]
Marcos said her remarks would not affect her role as a judge should the impeachment proceedings reach the Senate and proceed to trial.
“Ang sinasabi ko lang, yung katotohanan tungkol sa mga pangyayari noong 2021 na walang kinalaman sa impeachment. Mananatili akong juror at judge at pakikinggan ko ang ebidensya nila,” she said.
[Translation: I am only speaking about the truth regarding events in 2021, which have nothing to do with the impeachment. I will remain a juror and judge, and I will listen to their evidence.]
Asked if she questions the credibility of Madriaga, she said: “Ganyang klase ba ng mga testigo ang haharap sa Senado. Mahiya naman sila.”
[Translation: Are these the kinds of witnesses who will appear before the Senate? They should be ashamed.]
She declined to comment on Madriaga’s other allegations, saying she was unable to follow Tuesday’s impeachment hearing.
